Scania has teamed up with Uppsala University and a handful of other companies to test a plug-in hybrid semi that is partially powered by the sun.
The 552 hp (412 kW / 560 PS) semi doesn’t raise any eyebrows, but the 59 foot (18 meter) trailer is bound to draw attention as it’s covered in lightweight solar panels. They span an area of 100 square meters (1,076 square feet) and Scania said it’s the “equivalent to a house equipped with similarly powerful panels.”
The panels are said to be highly efficient and are expected to generate approximately 8,000 kWh of power annually in Sweden. They provide juice to a 200 kWh battery in the trailer as well as a 100 kWh battery in the truck.
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The semi is currently undergoing testing and the project aims to see how much solar energy decreases operational costs as well as emissions. That being said, it’s estimated that the solar panels could provide up to 3,107 miles (5,000 km) of emissions-free range in Sweden annually. In sunnier climates, like Spain, that distance could potentially double to 6,214 miles (10,000 km).
In a statement, Scania’s Stas Krupenia said “Never before have solar panels been used to generate energy to a truck’s powertrain like we do in this collaboration. This natural energy source can significantly decrease emissions in the transport sector.” He added, “It is great to be at the forefront in the development of the next generation’s trucks.”
