Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Geely and Renault, has been selected by Scania to provide its advanced range-extender system for the pilot vehicle, currently operating as a heavy-duty timber truck in Sweden. The collaboration marks an important step in testing hybrid powertrain solutions for demanding transport applications such as forestry logistics.
The pilot forms part of the Scania Pilot Partner program and is currently operating in Sweden under SCA, one of Europe’s largest forestry companies.
The vehicle is built to handle Sweden’s most demanding timber routes, transporting heavy loads through steep and remote terrain where access to charging infrastructure remains scarce. By combining a powerful battery-electric drivetrain with the generator designed In Sweden by Horse Powertrain’s division Aurobay Technologies, the truck achieves both long-distance capability and reduced CO₂ emissions.
The test route covers approximately 16 km, with an operational target of completing 7–8 rounds per day – comparable to a diesel truck and delivering slightly higher productivity than a pure battery-electric truck due to avoided charging downtime.
The configuration supports the truck’s battery packs with a 120-kW range-extender unit based on Horse Powertrain’s 2.0 liter high-efficiency multi-fuel engine. Acting purely as an onboard charger, the unit supplies electric energy when required. For instance, during long hauls, temperature extremes, or unexpected delays.
Horse Powertrain’s modular range-extender architecture builds on the same core technology used in its passenger-car and light-commercial hybrid systems, adapted for the higher power output and durability demands of heavy-duty applications. Unlike conventional fixed-speed generator sets, the engine can operate across its full power band, allowing the system to deliver the required output efficiently while keeping fuel consumption, noise and vibration low.
The pilot truck is now undergoing testing in regular operations, carrying full timber loads to gather performance and efficiency data in real-world conditions. The results will guide future deployments of electrified powertrains in the forestry sector and other heavy-duty applications.
Horse Powertrain emphasize that technologies such as range-extenders play a vital role in accelerating decarbonization. By enabling deep emission cuts today, without waiting for perfect infrastructure, they contribute meaningfully to the transition toward net zero.
