Video: Scania showcases autonomous modular vehicle

Scania has released a new electric autonomous concept vehicle with a modular system to take shape for different jobs.

The NXT features front and rear drive modules that can be fitted to different applications such as a bus body, a distribution truck body or a refuse collector.

The bus module concept is on display at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Stockholm from June 10 to 12.

Scania president and chief executive Henrik Henriksson says NXT “is a vision of the future for transport in cities”.

“Several of these technologies have yet to fully mature but for us it’s been important to actually build a concept vehicle to visibly and technically demonstrate ideas of what is within reach.

“NXT is designed for 2030 and beyond while incorporating several cutting-edge features that are already available.

“Scania can’t redraw the entire transport system for cities. What we can do is inspire change and that is the idea behind NXT – to think about transport and vehicles in a different and sustainable way.”

NXT project manager Robert Sjödin says the vehicle is “something new, something very different”.

“Yet flexible design and modularised units lie very much at the core of Scania.”

The eight-metre-long bus module is built as one composite unit, greatly reducing weight.

The cell batteries are placed under the floor, utilising empty space as well as contributing to better weight distribution.

The low vehicle weight of less than eight tonnes enables around 245 kilometres in range with present-day batteries.

“Continuous improvement in small steps has been the hallmark of Scania.

“We are now taking a giant leap into the future. This vehicle will provide invaluable tangible data in our continued development of electrified autonomous vehicles,” Sjödin says .