Wednesday, September 10, 2025
The Swedish forest-owner association Södra has officially integrated a new, electric heavy-duty truck into its operational logistics chain. This initiative, which began with an investment decision in 2024, is now entering a two-year evaluation period under real-world conditions. The deployment of this cutting-edge vehicle signifies a critical advancement in Södra’s long-term strategy to achieve climate neutrality and spearhead the transition to a fossil-free transport system.
The electric truck, a powerful Scania 45R, is specifically designed for the demanding task of transporting wood chips in the southern regions of Blekinge and eastern Småland. Its integration into daily operations is more than a simple vehicle replacement; it is a strategic test case for the future of heavy transport in the forestry sector. The vehicle is planned to cover a daily distance of approximately 400 kilometers, with its performance, range, and efficiency meticulously monitored until 2027. This data will be instrumental in informing Södra’s future decisions regarding a large-scale electrification of its entire fleet.
“The introduction of this electric wood chip truck represents a significant milestone in our journey towards fossil-free transport within the forestry industry,” said Henrik Brodin, project owner for large-scale electrification at Södra. “We have already laid the groundwork by expanding our charging infrastructure to support heavier vehicles. By testing this technology in our day-to-day operations, we are gathering invaluable insights that will help shape a more sustainable future, not just for Södra, but for society as a whole.”
The Södra initiative is a core component of the broader TREE collaboration project, a multi-partner effort led by Skogforsk, the joint research institute of the Swedish forestry industry. The ambitious goal of the TREE project is to ensure that by 2030, 50% of all new trucks acquired by the forestry sector are fully electrified. Södra, alongside 22 other partners—including other forestry companies, hauliers, technology firms, and research institutions—is contributing its expertise and operational data to this collective effort. The knowledge gained from this pilot programme will create significant value and a clear roadmap for the entire industry’s electrification journey.
The Scania 45R is built for high-capacity, heavy-duty applications. It can handle a gross train weight (GTW) of up to 64 tons, with a robust range of 250-300 kilometers on a single charge. The truck’s technical specifications are impressive, featuring three integrated electric motors that deliver 610 horsepower and a substantial 624 kWh battery capacity. This makes it a formidable asset for regional transport routes. Efficiency is further optimized by its charging capabilities, which allow for a power input of up to 375 kW, enabling a full charge in roughly one hour for normal operations.
As part of the two-year evaluation, Södra will carefully analyse route optimisation and the vehicle’s overall performance to maximise its potential. The findings will provide a solid foundation for the subsequent planning and execution of a wider-scale electrification plan for the company’s fleet. The infrastructure required to support this shift has been a key focus for Södra. Over the past year, the company has heavily invested in expanding its charging network at key facilities in Mörrum, Mönsterås, Orrefors, and Långasjö. This proactive measure ensures that electric heavy-duty trucks can be seamlessly integrated into regular operations without logistical interruptions. This infrastructure development has also been supported by a substantial grant of 5.2 million SEK from the Swedish Energy Agency, underscoring the national importance of this transition.
The wood chip truck is not Södra’s first venture into electric transport. Late in 2024, the company introduced its inaugural electric truck in a separate pilot project, which was dedicated to transporting pulp from the Värö mill to port terminals in Gothenburg and Varberg. These parallel projects demonstrate Södra’s unwavering commitment to its climate objectives.
Södra is a recognised leader in the drive towards a climate-neutral society. The company’s vision is to increase climate benefits across its entire value chain, from sustainable family forestry practices to the final products. Achieving this ambitious goal requires identifying and implementing significant improvements in all areas of its business. The electrification of its work machines and transport fleet is seen as one of the most promising avenues for reducing its carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable future for the forestry industry.
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Tags: electric truck, Forestry, logistics, Södra, TREE Project, wood chip
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