Swedish truckmaker rivals Volvo and Scania are powering into their electric truck programmes.
Scania has just launched its first electric production trucks – both plug-in hybrids and fully-electric models, targeting urban applications. 
The Scania etruck – offered with L-Series or P-Series cabs – has a 165-300kWh battery pack and a 230kW electric motor, equal to around 310 horsepower. It packs five to nine batteries, the latter delivering a 250km range.
The plug-in hybrid truck, available for the same cabs, provides opportunities to travel long distances in a combustion engine mode….and subsequently drive up to 60kms in fully-electric mode when required. 
Scania hails the development as a milestone – the precursor to annual additions that will lead to “electrified products for our entire range,” says Scania president and CEO Henrik Henriksson.
“Of particular significance is that we will, in a few years’ time, also introduce long-distance electric trucks adapted for fast charging during drivers’ compulsory 45-minute rest periods.”
Meanwhile, Volvo is launching customer tests of fully electric construction trucks – an FM with a readymix concrete bowl and an FMX fitted with a hooklift, both going to work in urban environments.
The vocational etrucks are intended to meet growing demands for reduced noise and emissions from trucks working in urban areas.
The trial follows Volvo’s successful introduction of serial-produced electric trucks for urban distribution and refuse collection.
“Trucks in the construction segment typically require more power and robustness than many other segments, and electric trucks are no exception,” says Volvo Trucks VP electromobility Jonas Odermalm.
“Our commercial solutions need to meet the demands for high productivity and uptime, while delivering on the benefits of reduced emissions and less noise that comes with a full electric driveline. Field tests and customer collaborations are important to the development process.”
The tests will give Volvo a better understanding of how electrification impacts the customers’ operations – “in terms of driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters…and with all the benefits of using quieter, cleaner transport,” says Ebba Bergbom Wallin, its electromobility business manager.