Horse Powertrain supplies range-extender for electric timber truck pilot

Horse Powertrain is to provide its advanced range-extender system for the pilot vehicle, currently operating as a heavy-duty timber truck in Sweden.

The collaboration with Scania 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 seven to eight 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-litre 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 chief executive, Matias Giannini said the partnership with Scania proves “how a compact, high-efficiency range-extender enables electric trucks to operate reliably in the most demanding environments”.

“Forestry logistics represents one of the toughest challenges for electrification,” he added. “The forest roads of northern Sweden demand strength, range and reliability. Charging stations are few, but the timber never waits. You can think of our range-extender as a powerbank for a heavy-duty truck: silent, efficient, and always there when you need it.”

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.