Geely controlled Volvo Cars said its planned Mobility Innovation Destination Torslanda is a tailored test bed of automotive development close to its operations in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The centre will allow the automaker to test emerging technology in an "environment designed to emulate the future society that we envision our cars to be part of".

Rather than developing technology like wireless car charging, vehicle to grid bidirectional charging and self driving capability solely in labs and development centres, Volvo will also be able to test, validate and deploy innovations in a city like environment.

Alongside new buildings and facilities for testing, engineering and materials, the company plans to expand its Torslanda campus in Gothenburg to house startups, business partners and suppliers.

“With this initiative we aim to create an ecosystem where we can develop the future of mobility – including cars, the technology inside of them and the infrastructure around them, all hand in hand,” said CEO Jim Rowan.

“Our ambition is to pioneer technology, attract global talent and connect with other cutting edge businesses.”

The next step is to construct buildings to house offices across the road from the existing campus.

The first new construction of 25,000 square metres is a wood hybrid, which reduces the carbon footprint by a claimed 15% compared to a traditional frame of steel and concrete. Building starts in the second quarter of 2024 and the first building is expected to be finished by 2026.

The campus will also be included in an expansion of the Gothenburg Green City Zone initiative where the city, Volvo and additional businesses, researchers and others can test new technology for both vehicles and infrastructure with the aim of achieving emission free transport by 2030.