Scania, the Swedish truck manufacturing giant under the Volkswagen Group, has finalized the acquisition of Northvolt’s Systems Industrial division. This purchase positions Scania to enhance its electrification efforts in heavy-duty vehicles, particularly in sectors like construction and mining.
Scania’s acquisition covers Northvolt’s manufacturing facility in Gdańsk, Poland, and its research and development center in Stockholm, Sweden and employs approximately 260 professionals. The division specializes in battery systems that are tailored for heavy industries, including material handling, construction, mining, agriculture, and municipal services. This acquisition is in line with Scania’s strategy to broaden its electrification portfolio and solidify its commitment to sustainable transport solutions. As a Scania spokesperson noted, the purchase provides “access to a highly skilled and experienced team and a strong portfolio of battery systems built in Gdansk for industrial segments, such as construction and mining.”
Founded in 2016, Northvolt’s aim was to establish Europe’s leading battery manufacturing presence, attracting significant investments and partnerships. But, the company faced operational challenges, including production delays and financial difficulties, leading to a bankruptcy filing in the U.S. and a subsequent bankruptcy declaration in Sweden. Despite these setbacks, Northvolt’s Systems Industrial division continued to operate, offering advanced battery solutions for heavy industries.
Scania’s relationship with Northvolt dates back to 2017, with both companies collaborating to develop high-performance battery cells for heavy commercial vehicles. Their joint efforts led to the creation of a battery cell capable of powering trucks for 1.5 million kilometers, equivalent to the vehicle’s entire lifespan. Produced using fossil-free electricity in northern Sweden, the cell’s carbon footprint is approximately one-third that of comparable industry standards. Christian Levin, CEO of Scania, stated, “The future of heavy transport is electric, and to enable the shift and to continue delivering on our brand promise towards customers to be premium, Scania needs top-performing battery cells for our electric trucks.”
The acquisition of Northvolt’s Systems Industrial division reinforces Scania’s dedication to sustainable transport and its strategic focus on electrification. By integrating advanced battery technologies and expertise, Scania aims to accelerate the development of electric solutions for heavy industries. As the company continues to navigate the evolving landscape of the EV market, this positions the company to meet growing demand for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
