SKF, LOTS Group and Scania are launching Europe’s longest battery electric truck route, covering 430km between major industrial centres in Sweden. Supported by three operational fast-charging stations, the route aims to demonstrate the viability and operational efficiency of long-distance electric freight transport.
The route will be a loop between Scania’s home town of Södertälje, Katrineholm and Gothenburg, linking bearing manufacturer SKF’s operations in Gothenburg with Scania’s in Södertälje. SKF’s goods are transported in one direction and Scania’s in the other, ensuring full utilisation of the vehicles and minimising emissions.
Fast charging points with a capacity of over 300kW have been strategically installed along the route in Södertälje, Katrineholm, and Gothenburg and all are already operational.
These charging stations are designed to support efficient operations with both public and private access. The charging hub in Södertälje is private, serving the operational needs of the route, while the stations in Katrineholm and Gothenburg are public and compatible with various truck brands, not just Scania. This infrastructure ensures BEVs can efficiently handle long stretches between charges.
“This partnership is a significant step forward in the transition to sustainable logistics,” said Johan Palmqvist, Managing Director Europe at LOTS Group. “By fostering collaboration among shippers, carriers, and charging partners, we not only reduce emissions but also maximise utilisation, which is key to economically sustainable transport. Our goal is for this to set a benchmark for future logistics solutions in Europe.”
The LOTS Group told Freight Carbon Zero that charging schedules will be bookable to minimise downtime for hauliers, with an average charging time of 60 minutes. This is not much more than the mandatory 45-minute daily driver break, allowing charging to take place without disrupting operations.
Måns Isacsson, logistics manager at SKF Sweden, highlighted the project’s environmental goals: “This collaboration helps ensure energy-efficient and climate-smart transport for our customers, supporting our ambition to achieve net-zero climate impact throughout the value chain.”
During the verification phase of the project, Scania’s R560 6x2 rigid trucks with trailers will be used, transitioning to the 45R 6x2 models in 2025. The lorries have a gross train weight of 64 tonnes and are designed to drive up to 4.5 hours before requiring a charge.
LOTS Group, a Scania subsidiary specialising in logistics optimisation, is in charge of route planning and load management. Scania’s control tower coordinates the transport flows, while SKF contributes its expertise in sustainable supply chain practices. Ahréns Åkeri manages the day-to-day logistics and vehicle efficiency.
Gustaf Sundell, head of Scania ventures and new business, described the broader vision of the initiative: “At Scania, we are excited to see how collaboration among leading industrial players paves the way for electric transport and a redefinition of the logistics system as a whole. This partnership demonstrates that freight transport with battery-electric vehicles is possible, not only for shorter urban routes but also for long-distance and heavy transport.”
The collaboration plans to create additional electric truck routes across Europe in 2025.
