Scania and DHL Group have jointly developed an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), an electric truck with a fuel-powered generator, enabling a shift to battery-electric transport without full charging infrastructure.
The truck will be tested by DHL’s Post & Parcel Germany division in February on parcel routes between Berlin and Hamburg. It can cover 650–800 km using both battery power and a fuel-powered generator, which replaces one of the battery packs to provide backup energy when needed. This allows DHL to operate 80–90% on renewable electricity while maintaining operational flexibility.
DHL Group CEO Tobias Meyer emphasized the importance of pragmatic solutions in reducing CO₂ emissions: “Instead of waiting for the perfect infrastructure, this vehicle helps us act now.” Christian Levin, Scania’s CEO, echoed this, stating, “The future is electric, but interim solutions are crucial for scaling decarbonized heavy transport.”
The EREV, developed by Scania Pilot Partner, features a 230 kW electric motor, a 416 kWh battery, and a 120 kW generator. Initially powered by petrol, it will later use diesel or HVO. With a 40-ton capacity and a speed of 89 km/h, it can carry around 1,000 parcels and tow a trailer.
