A winter challenge: Scania BEV conquers the Arctic
Driving an electric truck to the northernmost point of continental Europe in the heart of winter is no small feat. But for the Swiss Scania team, it was the perfect chance to prove the strength and reliability of heavy-duty battery-electric transport in extreme conditions.
As part of the 2024 E-Nordkapp Challenge, journalist Rahel Cathomas and Martin Stamm, Sales Manager at Scania Schweiz AG, embarked on an 8,001-kilometer journey in a Scania 40R BEV – the only truck in a fleet of electric cars. Check the highlights in this film.
The E-Nordkapp Challenge, held annually around New Year’s, pushes electric vehicles to their limits through some of the harshest winter conditions imaginable. The 2024 route led twelve teams from Chemnitz, Germany, through Poland, the Baltic States, Finland, and Norway, all the way to the North Cape, before returning south.
Temperatures plummeting to around -30
Among the many challenges, one moment stood out as the ultimate test of the truck’s performance. As the team made their way north, snowfall intensified, and icy roads became increasingly treacherous.
Despite temperatures dropping to around -30°C, the truck performed flawlessly. Charging stops were carefully planned in advance, with one team member always on the lookout for the next available station.
“We found out which stations were the best and adjusted our stops accordingly. It was important for us to combine charging stops efficiently, for example with a break or a bathroom stop. And this planning worked perfectly,” said Cathomas.
A smooth and efficient journey
By the time the team reached Nordkapp, the sense of achievement was overwhelming. “When you are standing there at the North Cape, seeing the fantastic light, you’re just overwhelmed and think: Wow, we made it, and we’re here with our truck! It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Cathomas reflected.
Crossing the German border, the final stretch home to Switzerland felt effortless. “Driving this BEV is an absolute joy. The range, especially here in Switzerland, is more than enough, even with our temperatures.”
The E-Nordkapp Challenge is an endurance and technology showcase event that promotes e-mobility through a shared experience of pushing EVs to their limits. Read more here.
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