Höganäs implements battery-electric truck for regular transport route
December 7, 2022
Sweden’s Höganäs AB has announced that it will implement a battery-electric truck from Scania on the transport route between the Höganäs area and the Port of Helsingborg. This truck is a project vehicle, not yet in series production or available on the market.
In spring 2016, Höganäs started working with high-capacity transport (HCT) (i.e., vehicles that are allowed a total weight of 74 instead of 64 tonnes). This enabled the company to halve the number of transports travelling between its factory in Höganäs and the Port of Helsingborg by loading two containers per vehicle instead of one. Now, it intends to significantly reduce its climate impact by making use of this battery-electric truck for shipments.
“We are taking the next step and are expanding our fleet with a third and new HCT vehicle that runs on electricity. Being able to contribute to the climate transition, by driving very heavy transport with electric power at such an early stage, feels important and exciting,” stated Johan Walther, Supply Chain Manager at Höganäs. “We estimate that we can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 130 tonnes/year, which is a total reduction of 98% over the truck’s lifespan compared with a diesel truck.”
Being able to contribute to the climate transition through more sustainable solutions is in line with Höganäs’ larger climate ambitions. The company’s goal is to achieve net zero throughout the value chain by 2037 and in its own production by 2030.
“With Höganäs now installing a completely new battery-electric truck, they reduce the climate impact of their transport operations,” added Evalena Falck, Scania Sales Director, Strategic Account Management. “The truck is also quieter, which is good for both the surrounding area and the driver. For heavy transport to make a full transition to fossil fuel-free, it is important that there are transport buyers who dare to take the lead and adapt.”
The transport service is purchased by GDL, which is involved in Höganäs’ work to reduce the climate impact of its transport services. Mikael Andersson, CEO of GDL Sjöcontainer AB, commented, “This pilot project is fully in line with our ambition to be part of the positive development in order to develop more fossil fuel-free transport solutions in Sweden.”