Scania and Northvolt partner on battery cell technology development

Scania and Northvolt have announced that they are going to work together in developing and commercialising battery cell technology for heavy commercial vehicles.

Scania is investing €10 million into the partnership to enhance developments and support the establishment of the demonstration line and research facility at Northvolt.

Advancements in both charging infrastructure and robust, cost efficient, sustainable battery cells is imperative if the widespread market demand for commercially electric trucks and buses is to be met. Differing transport assignments will need different electric powertrains and so the battery and cell technologies will need to be able to support varying needs.

“We aim to make it easy for customers to select sustainable transport solutions. Electrification will play a key part in the shift to a fossil free transport system,” said Henrik Henriksson, President and CEO of Scania. “However, the current battery cell technology must be developed to fulfil the business requirements of heavy bus customers. With Northvolt as a partner, we believe that we can make major strides forward.”

The two companies will establish an expert team and work together at Northvolt’s research facility, Northvolt Labs, in Västerås, Sweden. Whilst developing production of battery cells optimised to power commercial vehicles, the companies have also entered into an off-take purchase agreement for battery cells.

“With Scania’s product and business expertise combined with our cutting-edge manufacturing process, we are convinced that we can produce cost efficient and green battery cells of the highest quality for the heavy commercial vehicle market,” said Peter Carlsson, co-Founder and CEO of Northvolt.

Production of battery cells is energy intensive and Sweden offers a solid supply of cost-effective green energy. The country is therefore well suited for large-scale sustainable battery production.

This partnership is one of several strategic initiatives in Scania’s ambition to drive the shift toward a sustainable transport system.