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Image Credit: Scania
Scania, a leading truck manufacturer, has introduced a new enterprise named Erinion. This enterprise focuses on expanding access to electric vehicle (EV) charging for private and semi-public sectors. Erinion's ambitious plan is to deploy at least 40,000 HGV-compatible charging stations across Europe by the end of this decade.
Starting its operations in Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and the UK, Erinion aims to broaden its global reach. The venture will offer a "brand-agnostic" charging infrastructure, welcoming businesses of various types and catering to multiple vehicle brands.
Erinion has been established with a dual focus: facilitating depot and destination charging to foster the adoption of electric trucks and supporting Scania's strategic goal of having electric trucks comprise 50% of its European sales by 2030.
Scania highlights that Erinion will provide comprehensive charging solutions for its business clients, including not only the physical chargers and necessary grid connections but also sophisticated integrated software, hardware, operational support, and maintenance services. These charging solutions are available through a conventional upfront payment system or a flexible pricing structure combining initial down payments with financial leasing and ongoing service fees.
"With our solution, customers get peace of mind and can focus on their core business, while a specialised charging unit takes care of the hardware, software, financing and operational services required to operate charging at scale with superior quality and cost efficiency," said Jonas Hernlund, head of energy and infrastructure at Scania Group.
Scania's research suggests significant financial advantages for business customers transitioning to electric trucks, with potential reductions in initial investment requirements by up to 50% and annual operational savings reaching approximately €15,000 per vehicle.
"In the transition, the transport system will be redefined," said Gustaf Sundell, executive vice president and head of ventures and new business at Scania. "Our new depot charging solutions company is a great example of an initiative that will play an important role for our customers in the future transport ecosystem when transitioning to electric transports."
This revelation coincides with Erinion's establishment, which emerged shortly after Scania announced its scepticism regarding hydrogen's role in the European heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector's move towards more sustainable solutions. This skepticism is attributed mainly to unexpected impacts of upcoming EU regulations concerning driver safety.
In a decisive shift from traditional fuel sources, Scania now plans to transition directly from diesel to battery power. Substantial advancements in battery technology promise enhanced longevity and reduced costs. The company is setting a bold target to achieve 100% sales in battery-powered trucks by 2040.
This commitment is underscored by Erinion's ambitious objective to install at least 40,000 charging stations across Europe by 2030. This target aligns with warnings from Cornwall Insight. This leading energy consultancy has indicated that the UK must significantly accelerate its rollout of publicly accessible EV charge-points to meet its ambitious goal of establishing 300,000 by the decade's end.
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