Scania launches low-entry bus platform variant

The Swedish company has just unveiled a 6x2*4 chassis variant based on its electric bus platform, which was introduced in 2023. It's billed as an 'low entry' variant which can support a higher passenger capacity than its existing 4x2 LE BEV platform.

Scania states that the new three axle variant is designed for medium- and heavy-duty operations in city, suburban and shorter intercity routes. It includes a new rear axle plus the same e-machine and charging interface that’s available on the existing two axle 4×2 platform. (The ‘e-machine’ is what Scania calls its electric drive system.)

The new 6×2*4 platform also comes with an updated electric chassis which can be easily adapted to customer need, as well as two new axle gears. Scania states these have faster gear ratios and reduce internal losses.

Additionally, a new steered tag axle has been placed behind the half shaft to match the new rear axle. With the rear axle handling steering, Scania says weight is better distributed across the chassis and reduces wear and tear of the tyres.

Scania has outlined a range of benefits to using the new variant, highlighting the durability of the chassis and how this extends service life; the modular, flexible adaptability of the platform to improve efficiency; noise reduction in the sub-frame; plus convenient positioning of vehicle components to boost maintenance and operational availability.

“With a completely new e-machine, this three-axle electric variant is reliable, energy-efficient and powerful, thus providing excellent uptime, range, acceleration and startability, not least on steep slopes,” said Carl-Johan Lööf, Head of Product Management for People Transport Solutions at Scania. “And with the new rear position high-speed charging options and several more power nodes to choose from, it offers flexibility that translates to buses that fit local requirements.”

The company, which is a subsidiary of Traton, first presented its electric bus platform in October 2023. Its electric buses come with battery variants of 416 to 520 kWh which Scania claims can enabled ranges of over 400 and 500km, respectively. In March, Scania announced plans to extend this range with the introduction of a new e-machine. Available in four power options (240kW, 270kW, 300kW and 330kW), this new drive system comes with a range of new power supply options – such as one with three batteries and 312kWh of installed energy as well as two charging ports covering 130kW at up to 200A on the front of the bus and a higher rate of 325kW at up to 500A on the rear.

scania.com