Scania: Truck Trailers with Solar Panels Can Save Fuel

Scania AB is developing a trailer clad in solar cells for the drive of a plug-in hybrid truck in a research partnership. Initial tests indicate potential fuel savings of 5-10 percent in Sweden and double that in sunny southern Spain.

(Södertälje) “Solar cells have previously been used on boats and caravans, but only for powering auxiliary units such as refrigerators and cookers, not for the actual drive train,” says Eric Falkgrim, technical director in vehicle design at Scania R&D (Research & Development).

An 18-Meter Long Trailer Clad in Solar Cells

The truck is used in daily transport operations by the Swedish shipping company Ernst Express. Previously, Scania, together with Ernst Express, tested the world’s first road with overhead lines. Ernst Express will operate an 18-meter long trailer clad in solar cells with a total area of 140 square meters on the sides and roof. Overall, it is expected that the solar panels will generate 14,000 kWh annually in Sweden.

As part of the research project, it is also being investigated whether the trailer can feed electricity into the grid when the batteries are fully charged and the truck is parked, for example, over the weekend.

Fuel Savings of Up to 10 Percent in Sweden

In a preliminary study in central Sweden, fuel savings of 5-10 percent were achieved. In Sweden, there is enough sunlight from spring to autumn to generate energy, despite low irradiation intensity. During the rest of the time, the sunlight is insufficient. In contrast to Sweden, southern Spain has 80 percent more sunshine hours.

The project is publicly funded by Vinnovia, a government research agency of the Swedish government. In addition to Scania and Ernst Express, Uppsala University and the companies Midsummer and Dalakraft are also involved in the project, researching and manufacturing more efficient solar systems.
www.scania.com    www.ernstsexpress.se