Volvo Trucks is claiming a world first with deliveries of its first models using fossil-free steel.
Last September, the company started series production of heavy-duty electric, 44 tonne trucks, saying some would also be the first trucks built with fossil-free steel.
“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 Sandstrom, SVP of product management.
The fossil-free steel is produced by the Swedish steel manufacturer SSAB and is made by using a completely new technology with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen.
The result is a claimed significantly lower climate impact and “an important step towards a net-zero emissions value chain”. Customers getting fossil-free steel in some of their electric trucks are Amazon and DFDS and, through the transport company Simon Loos, Unilever.
The first steel produced with hydrogen is being used in the electric truck’s frame rails. As availability increases, it will also be introduced in other parts.
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By GlobalDataAround 30% of the materials in a new Volvo truck come from recycled materials. Also, up to 90% of the truck can be recycled at the end of its life.
“Fossil-free steel will be an important complement to the traditional and recycled steel used in Volvo’s trucks,” the manufacturer said.
