Scania and Arla Foods Test Electric Truck for Dairy Logistics

Scania and Arla Foods are collaborating to test the Scania 45R, a fully electric truck designed to carry substantial loads up to 40,000 liters of milk. This test seeks to prove that battery-powered transport can handle large-scale, demanding operations traditionally reliant on diesel.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce carbon footprints in the agro-industrial sector. Arla Foods, known for its environmental commitments, operates a mixed fleet that includes 21 electric and 80 biogas trucks. The introduction of a high-capacity electric truck aims at further decarbonizing milk transport from farms to processing facilities, contributing to the sector's carbon neutrality goals.

The trial will provide critical technical data on the operational efficiency and total cost of ownership of the Scania 45R. It will also assess current charging infrastructure limitations for heavy vehicles within dairy transport routes. The findings will be crucial for international dairy industries planning to transition to fossil fuel-free fleets, a target Scania aims to achieve for all its new vehicles by 2030.

Comparatively, some dairy transport companies have used liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to diesel, reducing CO2 emissions. Battery technology promises zero emissions at the point of use, signaling a significant shift in transporting perishable goods while maintaining quality and food safety.