B-Doubles might be an everyday thing here in Australia, but the notion of a two trailer rig is still a novelty in the wilds of the Swedish countryside.
However Scania has clearly used its knowledge gleaned from supplying trucks for B-Double and road train operations down under to help its fellow Swedish company, to operate a 32 metre twin trailer rig in the Scandinavian land.
Jula Logistics uses the 32-metre ‘High Capacity Transport’ hauled by a Scania prime mover to haul more cargo for each transport and to lower emissions.
In Australia that is no great surprise and an easy achievement, but Jura and Scania have made a big move and reckon it’s time for the next step for its Swedish double rig, with the truck set to be powered by electricity.
Scania reckons this is the latest example of ‘a sustainable transport solution’ developed in close collaboration with a progressive customer.
As most know, European trucks are usually allowed to carry a maximum of 40 tonnes and haul a 12 metres container.
Jula Logistics has been operating its two container, 32 metre 64 tonne rig since 2015, for many of the same reasons Australia allowed B Doubles, ie: better efficiency and less emissions. Jula Logistics says it saves 70 per cent on energy and emissions per transported unit.
The new electric powered version of the truck is set to be put into operation sometimes the first half of 2022.
”We use intermodal transport, where our cargo arrives to the port in Gothenburg by boat, are stowed onto a train that goes to Falköping. From there, the cargo is carried by truck the last bit of the journey to our warehouse in Skara. To make this chain of transport even more sustainable by using a truck powered by electricity from the solar panels that we will build on the roof of our warehouse is just fantastiv,” said Lennart Karlsson, CEO of Jula Logistics.
Scania says the the collaboration with Jula Logistics is in line with how it drives the shift to sustainable transport.
”’Electrification is a must for our commitment towards zero emissions and to reach our climate targets. Close partnerships with stakeholders that share our values is important for this to proceed at necessary pace. We can’t do this on our own, and Jula Logistics is a much-appreciated partner that cares deeply for the environment,” said Fredrik Allard, head of E-mobility at Scania.
Scania says it works with both prototypes and new business models, and together with customers and other partners, future solutions are simulated and realised. The company adds that the solution that it has assisted Jula Logistics with, enables the extra long and heavy vehicle to take the 120km round-trip from where the train stops in Falköping to the warehouse in Skara a couple of times.
”The new, long and heavy electrified truck is a great example of how a close dialogue with customers makes it possible for us to build a one-of-a-kind vehicle that meets that particular customer’s demands at a very early stage, also for a model that is not in series production,” said Allard.
Scania says that a detailed overview of energy consumption, an optimised route schedule and the need to charge is meticulously simulated beforehand to enable this transport flow. Once the truck is in operation, it has a positive influence from day one when it comes to the adjustment of Jula’s distribution flow. A vital part in the collaboration with Jula Logistics will be to optimise the charging process, related infrastructure and the complete flow in due time.
”Our partnership with Scania shows that this is technically possible, but we also need to create a long-term possibility to drive these longer vehicles that enable us to have a larger amount of cargo on the last part of our intermodal flow,” said Karlsson.
Scania and Jula Group say they are aiming for a long-term partnership with extensive electrification of the transport flows that Jula Logistics runs adding that the electrification of this 32 metre Scania truck is just the beginning.
