Volvo Trucks has become the world’s first truck manufacturer to use fossil-free steel in its trucks. A Sweden based steel company called SSAB will be producing and providing the steel for Volvo’s heavy duty electric trucks along with Volvo Cars. The steel will be first used in the truck’s frame rails and as the availability of fossil-free steel increases, it will also be introduced in other parts of the truck.
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Fossil-free steel will be made by a completely new technology using fossil-free electricity and hydrogen. The result will be a much lower climate impact and a fossil-free value chain. The steel industry considers that the need for steel will grow significantly in the long-term and that newly made fossil-free steel will be needed to meet this demand. Small scale introduction of this steel in Volvo’s heavy electric trucks will start in the third quarter of 2022.
The ‘Hybrit’ technology was started by SSAB, iron ore producer LKAB and energy firm Vattenfall. It aims to replace coking coal, traditionally needed for iron ore-based steelmaking, with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen. The result is expected to be the world’s first fossil-free steelmaking technology, with virtually no carbon footprint. SSAB aims to supply this steel commercially from 2026.
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As of now, around 30% of the materials in a new Volvo truck come from recycled materials while up to 90% of the truck can be recycled at the end of its life. According to Jessica Sandstrom, Senior Vice President Product Management, Volvo Trucks:
“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. We are continuously striving to further minimize our climate footprint. We are also moving towards greater circularity in both our operations and our 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. Volvo has already been recognized by global environmental non-profit CDP, securing an A-score for its actions aimed at cutting emissions, mitigating climate risks and becoming a climate-neutral company. The company also announced to be going leather-free to take an ethical stand for animal welfare, confirming to not make use of any animal-based leather.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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