Marco performs extreme BEV bus testing for cleaner travel
5 JUNE 2025
From Spain’s scorching heat to Sweden’s deep freeze, Marco tests electric buses in extreme conditions to ensure they stay efficient and reliable. His work on cooling systems helps extend battery life and cut emissions, advancing sustainable mobility.
Testing electric buses in extreme climates
Marco Zeni, Test Engineer, specialises in testing the cooling systems of BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) buses – systems vital for keeping batteries, electric motors, and power electronics operating at optimal temperatures. It's meticulous work: mounting sensors, running simulations, and rigorously evaluating how buses perform in vastly different conditions. From blistering heat in southern Spain (up to 40°C) to icy cold in northern Sweden (down to -30°C), Marco ensures buses can handle extremes, maintaining peak performance and efficiency.
"Testing isn’t just about driving the bus," Marco says. "It's about simulating real-world conditions: city traffic with frequent stops, high-speed highway trips, or steep mountain climbs, to verify that our cooling systems keep components healthy and efficient."
Smart cooling for longer life and lower emissions
One of Marco's biggest challenges? Replicating these real-world conditions accurately in controlled test environments, such as the Scania climatic wind tunnel in Södertälje, Sweden. Yet, overcoming this challenge directly impacts sustainability. Better cooling systems mean longer component life, fewer replacements, reduced maintenance, and ultimately, lower carbon emissions.
"Every test matters," Marco explains. "Efficient cooling reduces energy consumption, extending the bus's range and lowering overall emissions. This directly supports our global climate goals."
From Trento to Södertälje – a passion for innovation
Born and raised in Trento, a charming alpine city in Italy, Marco studied mechatronic engineering before joining Scania Italy. Marco moved to Sweden six years ago, initially designing electric systems for special trucks before transitioning into bus testing. Marco thrives on teamwork, collaborating closely with R&D and design teams to achieve more knowledge and innovative solutions.
Outside of work, Marco reconnects with nature through hiking, whether he's exploring trails in Sweden or returning home to the Italian Alps. He also maintains a strong passion for vehicle technology.
Looking forward, Marco eagerly anticipates battery innovations that will increase range and reduce weight, allowing buses to carry more passengers and enhance their positive environmental impact.
