Electromobility: Norway relies on snow plow with giant battery

The driving snow in some parts of Norway requires the support of heavy machinery. Snow plows are also involved. But these do not necessarily have to be an environmental burden, as the Scandinavian country is now proving. From now on, fully electric snow ploughs could be used here, which could become a showcase model in the field of electromobility with impressive battery sizes of 1,000 kWh.

Norway as a pioneer in electromobility?

In European and global comparison, the Scandinavian countries are regarded as real role models when it comes to the use of renewable energies and the reduction of CO² emissions. This is also evident in Norway, where heat pumps, electric cars and the like are more the rule than the exception. Now the road authorities in this northern country are also going carbon-free when it comes to clearing snow. The snow plow, which is to be used on the E6 freeway, has a 1,000 kWh battery. This ensures a considerable range, which puts many an electric car in the shade. As the snow plough needs just under 182 kWh for a distance of 100 km during its first use, a range of 500 km should be possible under the conditions of the maiden voyage.

• Also interesting: Electromobility: e-bus in Baden-Württemberg charges wirelessly

Volvo truck as the basis

According to the road administration, however, much more should be possible under optimal conditions. The model is to be launched in two different weight classes. The lighter one weighs 42 tons and should be able to cover an impressive range of 630 km. However, this is also subject to optimum weather conditions.

Since we are talking about mountainous terrain, low temperatures and a lot of speed, the reality is likely to be different. However, the e-truck developed by Swiss-based company Designwerk Technologies AG could still serve as a model for all-electric freight transportation on freeways. It is based on a chassis from Volvo.