Swedish truck-maker Scania has finalized the takeover of the battery-pack division of the bankrupt Northvolt company to secure sourcing for its MP12 electric truck lineup.
The Volkswagen division last year provided teams of managers and engineers in an attempt to rescue the ailing battery maker. The truck maker now plans to use the unit’s battery packs for its new under-the-cab battery module.
This move allows the use 416-kWh, 520-kWh and 728-kWh battery packs, providing its electric trucks with a range of up to 373 miles (600 km). The trucks will be available starting this year.
Scania, both a stakeholder in and customer of the battery maker, says it has reached a deal with the bankruptcy trustee, marking the first sale of Northvolt assets after its bankruptcy, Reuters reports.
The battery-pack division makes systems for use in construction, mining and other heavy-industry equipment. The company employs about 260 employees at a factory in Poland and at a research and development center in Sweden.
Scania says the purchase is in line with its strategy to develop complementary businesses to boost the company’s long-term competitiveness. “With this acquisition Scania will strengthen its electrification offering for off-road applications,” a company statement says.
