Scania has handed over the first of three hybrid trucks to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) as part of a joint development project aimed at evaluating electrified military vehicles.
The truck was officially delivered during the Eurosatory defence exhibition in Paris and will be tested by the Swedish Armed Forces across its three service branches.
FMV has purchased three hybrid trucks from Scania as part of the project, which is designed to explore how electrified powertrains can be used in military applications.
The vehicles are expected to help assess the benefits of hybrid technology, including reduced fuel consumption, silent operation using electric power and the ability to provide electricity to external equipment in the field.
Scania’s plug-in parallel hybrid system allows the diesel engine and electric motor to operate independently or together, depending on mission requirements.
The electric motor delivers instant torque and enables silent operation for limited periods, while the vehicle offers an electric driving range of approximately 70km to 80km, depending on operating conditions.
A key feature of the truck is its ability to act as a mobile power source.
The vehicle can supply electricity to command posts, communication systems, sensors and temporary camps, reducing reliance on traditional diesel generators.
Scania says the battery-based system can provide power silently, helping reduce acoustic signatures and lowering the risk of detection during military operations.
The truck is equipped with a 208kWh battery pack and can provide approximately four hours of continuous AC power supply. The battery can also be recharged from 0% to 100% using the vehicle’s combustion engine in around 45 to 60 minutes while idling.
“The defence sector is facing changing requirements, where power supply, mobility and flexibility are becoming increasingly important,” says Stefano Fedel, head of Scania Commercial.
“Through this cooperation with FMV, we can develop and evaluate hybrid technology under real conditions, while also demonstrating how Scania’s industrial capability can contribute to future defence solutions.”
The electric component of the powertrain delivers up to 290kW and 2800Nm of torque for short periods, while the vehicle can provide both 400V and 230V AC power to external equipment.
Fedel says Scania is now investigating how hybrid military vehicles could be integrated into its modular production system.
“We see clear potential for hybrid solutions in heavy military vehicles. It is about combining robustness and mobility with new opportunities for power supply and quieter operation.
“For Scania, this is an important step in the development of future defence solutions.”
Scania says the project will provide valuable operational data for both the Swedish Armed Forces and the manufacturer as it explores future defence applications for hybrid technology.
