Scania launches bus range with choice of powertrains

Scania has launched its new Fencer bus range, which will be available with a choice of powertrain technologies such as Euro 6 diesel, hybrid, bio-gas, and full electric. In addition, Scania's entire diesel offering can run on HVO without any modification.

The electric Fencer, available to order this year, will have a fully integrated chassis which will allow for an eight- or ten-battery pack set-up. It will be powered by Scania’s own 300kW electric motor driving through Scania’s own two-speed gearbox.

"The Scania Fencer f1 is a truly innovative and exciting new product which is the result of several years of research and development by Scania's engineers in conjunction with our colleagues at Higer, with whom we have enjoyed a strong, professional partnership with for the past 15 years," comments Martin West, Sales Director – Bus and Coach for Scania (Great Britain) Limited. 

"The result is a flexible, efficient and economical vehicle built to the high quality standards assured by our fully embedded production processes at the Higer factory.  As such, the Fencer will contribute significantly to the sustainability objectives of the UK Government's recently announced national bus strategy.  As a completely built-up Scania product, the Fencer will be fully supported by the Scania network of 84 UK service centres.

"The Fencer will be built on a new chassis, which has been designed from the outset as a future-proofed platform with a comprehensive selection of renewably-fuelled drivetrains including full battery electric and hybrid versions and biogas options   Initially, we are launching the vehicle with our tried, tested, proven and highly regarded nine-litre engine, which can be operated on 100 percent HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) biofuel.  This engine option has been missed in recent years by our rural and inter-urban customers and we are delighted to be reintroducing it to the market at this time.

"Looking ahead, the single deck Fencer f1 is just the beginning of a new bus platform for Scania. Articulated and double deck options are also planned, meaning we will soon have a solution for every UK bus fleet operator."

The nine-litre Scania engine fitted to the first Fencer vehicles will be SCR-only and meets the requirements of the Euro 6 Step E emissions standard.  Paired with ZF's  Ecolife 2 fully automatic six-speed gearbox, the vehicle is capable of achieving substantial fuel savings compared to its predecessors.  Other features of the transmission include fast and smooth shifting and a new 'unloaded starting' feature which enhances passenger comfort by reducing noise, improving starting performance and delivering consistent acceleration.