Scania has teamed up with Uppsala University and a handful of other companies to test a plug-in hybrid semi that is partially powered by the sun. The 552 hp semi doesn’t raise any eyebrows, but the 18 meter trailer is bound to draw attention as it’s covered in lightweight solar panels. They span an area of 100 square meters and Scania said it’s the “equivalent to a house equipped with similarly powerful panels.”
The panels are said to be highly efficient
and are expected to generate approximately 8,000 kWh of power annually in
Sweden. They provide juice to a 200 kWh battery in the trailer as well as a 100
kWh battery in the truck.
The semi is currently undergoing testing
and the project aims to see how much solar energy decreases operational costs
as well as emissions. That being said, it’s estimated that the solar panels
could provide up to 5,000 km of emissions-free range in Sweden
annually. In sunnier climates, like Spain, that distance could potentially
double to 10,000 km.
In a statement, Scania’s Stas Krupenia
said “Never before have solar panels been used to generate energy to a truck’s
powertrain like we do in this collaboration. This natural energy source can
significantly decrease emissions in the transport sector.” He added, “It is
great to be at the forefront in the development of the next generation’s
trucks.”
