Scania NZ recently showcased its heavy-duty battery electric model and the latest Super 560 as part of a drive experience for media and guests.
The event took place on October 3 at Hampton Downs Race Track with the models put through their paces, featuring all of Scania’s latest technology advancements.
It was also a chance for new Scania NZ managing director Victor Carvalho to introduce himself in what was just his second day in the job. He arrived from his previous position as head of Scania Portugal.
Carvalho said he looked forward to meeting customers and those from the motoring media.
He also congratulated the Scania NZ team for its market leadership in heavy trucks.
“I can see the good job we are doing here so far, last month we finished with 19.5% market share, but we are not satisfied with that.
“We are investing a lot in New Zealand with our brands, facilities, and our people. We are investing a lot here to keep that leadership,” he said.
Battery electric
Scania NZ first introduced the 25 P battery electric vehicle (BEV) model in June last year, putting two units on local roads. New Zealand was one of the first countries outside of Europe to have the new trucks.
The first generation 29 tonne (GCVW) BEVs have a range of up to 250km on a single charge. It makes them suitable for either short or medium haul journeys, including optional emission free operation for both hydraulics and refrigeration units.
As well as urban distribution of goods, they could be used for waste collection, hook lift and tipper operations, concrete mixers and fire and rescue vehicles.
The trucks are available with the option of either five or nine batteries – totalling 165 kWh or 300 kWh installed capacity respectively.
With the combustion engine removed, space for batteries has been freed. Additional batteries are mounted on the chassis frame. The new electric motor delivers a continuous power of 230kW or approximately 310hp. The motor has two gears to provide high power over a wider speed span which improves driver comfort.
The first two Scania BEVs were purchased by South Auckland-based Reliance Transport which received $500,000 in co-funding from the Government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund.
They have been used for transporting last-mile freight in the Auckland metropolitan area, carting containers and steel products around the city’s port and freight networks.
Super 560
Meanwhile, Scania’s new 13-litre Super 560 features improved fuel efficiency of 8%, according to the brand.
The new engine delivers increased power up to 560hp and maximum torque up to 2800Nm.
The refresh was part of a two-billion-euro (NZ$3.5b) investment for the brand and marks its single biggest launch since the introduction of the new truck generation back in 2016.
