Scania testing hydrogen solutions through Pilot Partner initiative

Scania is continuing to leave no stone unturned to better understand all forms of sustainable transport, a recent new research initiative from its Pilot Partner programme has revealed.

Earlier this month at Transport.CH in Bern, Switzerland, Scania showcased its collaboration with Asko Norge AS, a longstanding partner and leader in sustainable logistics, to test hydrogen fuel cell trucks in business operations, in order to evaluate technical performance, operational feasibility, and commercial potential.

Although these vehicles are not yet available for order, they form part of Scania’s broader Pilot Partner programme, an initiative the company has established with selected customers which aims to assess electrification and hydrogen technology under daily conditions to see what they can contribute to fossil-free transport.

Image ©Scania

Tony Sandberg, Head of Scania Pilot Partner said: “By testing in real transport environments, we learn what works best in practice and how to accelerate progress.”

The hydrogen vehicle test does not change Scania’s strategy for the decarbonisation of the transport system, which remains centred on direct electrification. However, it is one of several tests being conducted through the Pilot Partner programme to understand how different energy carriers and powertrains perform. The aim is to see which real-life strengths and weaknesses other technologies and fuels exhibit.

By combining Scania’s established electric powertrain technology with hydrogen systems, Scania and Asko have initially found that the trucks can reach ranges of up to 1,000 kilometres per refuelling, emitting only water vapour. Through working together, two companies’ illustrate how partnerships can drive practical progress in sustainable transport.

Jørn Arvid Endresen, CEO of ASKO Midt, said: “Being part of Scania’s Pilot Partner initiative gives us a unique opportunity to test and influence the development of sustainable solutions that fit our operations.”

Tony Sandberg added: “Asko’s strong commitment and proactive approach are key to accelerating the transition. Together, we turn insights from pilots into practical knowledge that benefits the whole industry.”

Scania Pilot Partner initiative, which was established in 2021 is the company’s dedicated collaboration for innovation with selected customers. Scania Pilot Partner evaluates and tests a wide range of technologies and methods, from battery-electric solutions – which remain the company’s strategic focus – to combustion engines powered by range extender and emerging alternatives such as hydrogen fuel cells.

By testing these solutions in real operations, Scania and its partners gain valuable insights into how different technologies perform in practice, supporting customers in their own transition to decarbonised transport.

For more information, visit www.scania.com.