Volvo Trucks: First in the world to use fossil-free steel in its trucks

Rhea-AI Summary

Volvo Trucks has become the first truck manufacturer globally to introduce fossil-free steel into its trucks. This steel, produced by Swedish company SSAB using innovative hydrogen-based technology, significantly reduces climate impact compared to traditional methods. The initial implementation will occur in heavy-duty electric trucks, starting in Q3 2022. Currently, 30% of a new Volvo truck's materials are recycled, with a goal to utilize more fossil-free materials, aligning with the commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Positive

• Volvo Trucks is the first manufacturer to implement fossil-free steel, showcasing innovation.
• Lower environmental impact due to hydrogen-based steel production.
• Commitment to using more fossil-free materials across all trucks.

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• None.

GÖTEBORG, Sweden, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world's first truck manufacturer to do so, Volvo is now introducing fossil-free steel in its trucks. The steel is produced by the Swedish steel company SSAB and the heavy-duty electric Volvo trucks will be the first to include it.

The steel from SSAB is produced using a completely new technology, based on hydrogen. The result is a much lower climate impact than conventionally produced steel. Small scale introduction of the steel in Volvo's heavy electric trucks will begin in the third quarter of 2022.

"We will increase the use of fossil-free materials in all our trucks to make them net-zero not only in operation – but also when it comes to the materials they are built of," says Jessica Sandström, Senior Vice President Product Management, Volvo Trucks.

The first steel produced with hydrogen will be used in the truck's frame rails, the backbone of the truck upon which all other main components are mounted. As the availability of fossil-free steel increases, it will also be introduced in other parts of the truck.

90% of a Volvo truck can be recycled

Today, around 30% of the materials in a new Volvo truck come from recycled materials. And up to 90% of the truck can be recycled at the end of its life.

"We are continuously striving to further minimize our climate footprint. We are also moving towards greater circularity in both our operations and our trucks," says Jessica Sandström.

Volvo Group is collaborating with SSAB on fossil-free steel since 2021. The first machine, a load carrier made of fossil-free steel, was showcased in October 2021. Fossil-free steel will be an important complement to the traditional and recycled steel used in Volvo's trucks.

Volvo Trucks is committed to the Paris agreement and to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the value-chain by 2040, at the latest.

May 24, 2022

For further information, please contact:

Jan Strandhede

Media Relations Director, Volvo Trucks

jan.strandhede@volvo.com

+46 31 3233715, +46 765 533715

Link to high resolution images

Link to film

Press images and films are available in the Volvo Trucks image and film gallery at http://images.volvotrucks.com.

Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 13 countries across the globe. In 2021 approximately 123,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks' work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.

 

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https://news.cision.com/ab-volvo/r/volvo-trucks--first-in-the-world-to-use-fossil-free-steel-in-its-trucks,c3572982

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/39/3572982/1583561.pdf	220524-volvo-trucks-fossil-free-steel-eng
https://news.cision.com/ab-volvo/i/electric-truck-fossil-free-steel,c3052566	electric truck fossil-free steel

 

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SOURCE AB Volvo

FAQ

What is the significance of Volvo Trucks using fossil-free steel?

This marks a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of truck manufacturing.

When will Volvo Trucks start using fossil-free steel?

The introduction of fossil-free steel will commence in Q3 2022.

What technology is used to produce fossil-free steel for Volvo Trucks?

The steel is produced using hydrogen-based technology by SSAB.

What is Volvo's goal regarding greenhouse gas emissions?

Volvo aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the value chain by 2040.

How much of a new Volvo truck is made from recycled materials?

Currently, around 30% of the materials in a new Volvo truck are recycled.