A battery cell for heavy electric vehicles has been unveiled by Scania and Northvolt, two sustainability frontrunners. This battery cell has an outstanding lifetime, capable of powering trucks for over 900 thousand miles (1.5 million km), according to a release.
The lithium-ion cell, produced with fossil-free electricity in northern Sweden, has a carbon footprint of approximately one-third that of a comparative industry reference.
The battery cell is one of the most durable and long-lasting batteries (long lifetime of over 900 thousand miles) in the electric vehicle industry as of today. The battery cell specification includes a prismatic cell format, a capacity of 157 Ah, and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V.
In 2017, to develop and commercialize a world-leading battery cell for heavy commercial vehicles, the two companies formed an alliance that has been very close since the beginning.
The cell is being produced at Northvolt Ett gigafactory in northern Sweden, and Scania will inaugurate a new battery factory in Södertälje, Sweden, later this year, where battery cells will be assembled into battery packs for the start of production of heavy-duty electric trucks.
According to Peter Carlsson, CEO and Co-Founder of Northvolt, ‘the partnership’s high-performance battery cell was developed to enable Scania’s plans for electrifying heavy transport, which is a tremendous accomplishment for everyone involved.’
Scania’s CEO Christian Levin added that ‘the development of a high-performing battery cell is essential to enable the shift towards sustainable transport.’
Amazingly, the facility where the cell is being produced, Northvolt Ett, is powered by 100% fossil-free electricity. This is done by generating power through hydro and wind power.
Due to the fossil-free energy and integration of additional sustainable production features at Northvolt Ett, the cell’s carbon footprint is much lower than industry standards, making it an excellent example of a sustainable battery for electric vehicles.
Scania and Northvolt with this invent have raised awareness for everyone that the shift towards sustainable and energy-efficient transport is essential and necessary for our future.