Future batteries for electric trucks: Li-ion NMC and NMX

MSc thesis. Future batteries for electric trucks: Li-ion NMC and NMX

Scania is one of the leading European manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles. The 2025 global sales were 87'600 trucks and 6'500 buses, with 41 % of the total outside Europe. When it comes to global warming, we already contribute to the necessary reduction of fossil CO2 emissions with a focus on battery-electric trucks and buses.

Background

According to EU regulation 2019/1242, from 2019 to 2030, 2035 and 2040 the average tailpipe-CO2 of new truck sales shall be reduced by 43, 64 and 90 %. The plan is to reach this reduction by quickly ramping up the sales of battery-electric trucks (BET).

In the 2030ies, established battery chemistries will be developed further, and emerging chemistries will enter the market. New chemistries can enable improved battery properties, the diversification of the raw material feedstock or a reduction of cost.

The demands on battery cells for BET are, listed by decreasing priority: Sufficient cycle life, high efficiency, sufficient C-rate, low procurement cost, high energy density.

To construct BET with the Cell-To-Pack (CTP) and Pack-To-Chassis (PTC) technology improves the trade-off between low weight and high range. CTP and PTC put besides electrochemical and thermal also mechanical requirements on the battery cells.

Task

In this M.Sc. thesis project (30 hp) for one student, a techno-economic assessment of future Li-ion NMC and NMX battery technology for BET shall be conducted, where X stands for something else than cobalt. The task is to (i) identify and assess expected developments in NMC and NMX relevant for future BET, based on scientific literature and publicly available data; (ii) derive representative future NMC and NMX cell concepts and matching battery pack concepts based on these findings and the requirements of BET; (iii) assess battery degradation during representative BET operation using a simplified semi-empirical aging model; and (iv) estimate the costs for raw-material, cell-production and pack-production at multiple-GWh/year scale.

To facilitate and speed up the work, skilled supervision and a license for ChatGPT Enterprise will be available.

Education & organisation:

Studies: (Electro)chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, energy engineering

Is a must: Relevant courses on battery technology.

Is a bonus: Previous work on battery degradation and/or cost.

Number of students: One.

Start of work: (a) 18 Jan (b) 1 Feb 2027.

Estimated duration: Until (a) 20 Jun (b) 4 Jul 2027. Two office-days per week

Language of work: English, Swedish

Location of work: Södertälje, Stockholm County, Sweden

Students from outside Stockholm County can rent a subsidized Scania apartment in Södertälje.

Per student, payment before taxes: 20'000 SEK at the start, 20'000 SEK after the final report was approved by Scania.

Per student, travel expenses: 1 to 2 roundtrips between study location and Södertälje.

Contact persons and supervisors:

Antonius KIES, Energy Economy / Range. Tel. 0046 8 553 - 724 24

David RAYMAND, Battery Cells. Tel. 0046 8 553 - 532 93

Björn WEIßHAR, High Voltage Batteries. Tel. 0049 173 4186 114

Application:

Please enclose personal letter, CV and the list of grades from the latest M.Sc. studies.

The applications will be checked continuously.

A background check and security interview will be conducted for this position.

Publication date

Until the position is staffed or latest until 22 Nov 2026.