Source: Volvo
Swedish truck manufacturer Volvo says has become the world’s first truck manufacture to begin using fossil-free steel in its electric trucks, which are now being delivered to customers.
Volvo announced earlier this year that it was beginning to introduce the use of fossil-free steel into the manufacture of its trucks following a deal with Nordic steel giant SSAB in early 2021 to research the manufacture of steel produced on new technology based around green hydrogen.
Volvo started series production of its heavy-duty electric 44-tonne trucks in September, some of which are now being made with the fossil-free steel produced by SSAB.
The fossil-free steel is being used in the electric truck’s frame rails, upon which all the main components of the truck are mounted. As the availability of fossil-free steel increases, Volvo intend to begin using it in other parts of the truck.
The introduction of fossil-free steel in the production of Volvo Trucks pairs well with the fact that around 30% of the materials used come from recycled materials. Volvo also claim that up to 90% of their trucks can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
“Our journey to net zero emissions includes both making our vehicles fossil free in operation and over time fully replacing the material in our trucks with fossil-free and recycled alternatives,” said Jessica Sandström, senior vice president of product management at Volvo Trucks.
Among the customers who have begun receiving the heavy-duty electric trucks made with fossil-free steel are Amazon and Danish international shipping and logistics company DFDS.
“At Amazon, we are on the way to make all of our operations net-zero carbon by 2040. We need partners like Volvo to make this transition happen,” said Andreas Marschner, vice president of transportation services Europe at Amazon.
“Any step in the green transition of logistics brings us closer to a carbon free society and we are therefore happy to learn that some of our new electric trucks soon to be delivered are also produced with fossil free steel,” added Niklas Andersson, executive vice president of DFDS Logistics Division.
Keyword: Volvo delivers first electric trucks with fossil-free steel