Volvo Group Uses Fossil-Free Steel in New Vehicle

Volvo Introduces Construction Truck Utilizing Fossil-Free Steel

AB Volvo, the division of Sweden’s Volvo Group focused on construction trucks, recently presented a new vehicle. This vehicle is notably constructed with a significant proportion of “fossil-free” steel.

Plans for Series Production

Alongside the unveiling, Volvo announced intentions to initiate smaller-scale series production employing this innovative material as early as 2022. This demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices within the industry.

“We aim to commence building these vehicles – smaller load carriers – utilizing this fossil-free steel,” explained Lars Stenqvist, executive VP of trucks technology at AB Volvo, in a recent interview with TechCrunch. “It’s crucial to emphasize this isn’t merely a research project or a demonstration for political purposes.”

“This initiative represents genuine serial production,” Stenqvist affirmed.

Prototype Details

The prototype vehicle, a fully electric and autonomous load carrier designed for mining and quarry applications, incorporates over 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds) of the new steel.

Volvo strategically targeted construction trucks initially. This is because, on average, approximately 70% of a construction truck’s weight is comprised of steel and cast iron.

SSAB’s Role in Steel Production

The steel itself was manufactured by SSAB, a Swedish steelmaker with whom Volvo established a partnership earlier this year. Traditional steel manufacturing relies on coal to remove oxygen from iron ore.

However, SSAB has pioneered a process utilizing hydrogen for steel production. This hydrogen is generated through electrolysis, a method that employs renewable energy to separate water into its constituent elements: hydrogen and oxygen.

Composition and Manufacturing

While the unveiled load carrier isn’t entirely composed of 100% fossil-free steel, SSAB currently lacks the capability to produce certain geometries. This includes those required for cylindrical shafts, as noted by Stenqvist.

He clarified that the majority of the vehicle’s components, particularly the substantial bucket at the rear, are indeed constructed from fossil-free steel.

Importantly, the steel produced by SSAB is functionally identical to conventional steel. This allows for seamless integration into Volvo’s existing manufacturing infrastructure.

“This is a very important factor for us, as it ensures we remain unconstrained from a production and manufacturing standpoint,” Stenqvist stated.

Future Goals and Volvo Cars

Volvo, committed to achieving zero-emissions across all operations by 2040, intends to expand its utilization of this steel throughout the remainder of the decade.

Volvo Cars, owned by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding, also has plans to unveil a concept car incorporating the steel as early as 2025.