SCA’s electric timber truck continues to transport timber between Gimonäs timber terminal and Obbola paper mill outside Umeå, Sweden. It has now been in operation for more than 1.5 years. Source: Timberbiz
Everything is working as intended, and we receive inquiries from haulage companies and others who want to learn more about heavy electric vehicle transport, according to Mikael Sundelin, Head of Business Development at Industrial Supply.
Since SCA’s unique electric timber truck was put into operation in June 2022, it has covered a distance of 46,000 kilometres, equivalent to more than one lap around the globe. Over a year of operation, the electric timber truck contributes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 55,000 kg per year.
With a capacity to carry 80 tons, the electric timber truck’s daily task is to transport timber between Gimonäs timber terminal and Obbola paper mill outside Umeå. The round trip covers a distance of 30 km, and it completes approximately six rounds per day. The truck needs to be charged about two times during a working day.
The significant interest in the electric timber truck has led it to undertake some other tasks. In 2023, SCA drove it on a forest road with winter conditions outside Umeå to assess its ability to transport timber directly from the forest to Obbola paper mill. It also faced a more challenging environment during a few March days in Näsåker, together with Själander Åkeri AB, a partner of SCA Skog.
“It has been fun and rewarding to be able to test the vehicle with both longer and heavier transports in proper winter conditions and in a more hilly landscape than we have around Umeå. All tests have gone very well,” Mr Sundelin said.
SCA receives data, including electric consumption primarily, from Scania.
“It is evident that consumption has decreased as our drivers become more experienced and learn to drive it in an optimal way. During winter, especially on extremely cold days, it consumes more electricity, but we already knew that – it’s the same for electric cars,” Mr Sundelin said.
All driving and various tests provide SCA with valuable insights into electric propulsion for heavy transports.
“This is, as mentioned, a first step towards electric propulsion in heavy road transport, which is incredibly significant. It’s exciting that SCA, together with innovative partners, can drive sustainability development.
“We also receive inquiries from haulage companies and others who want to learn more about electric propulsion for heavy transports for goods other than timber,” he said.
“Sustainability and reduced carbon dioxide emissions are important for SCA and the entire society. Our forests and forest products have long generated significant climate benefits, and our industries have made considerable progress towards fossil-free operations. Therefore, it is natural for us to have high climate ambitions for our transportation as well, says Susanne Rutqvist, SCA’s spokesperson on climate issues.
