Fossil-Free Steel Used to Build Volvo Concept Vehicle

Volvo reveals its first vehicle constructed entirely from fossil-free steel.

Following its collaboration earlier this year with steel maker SSAB, the automaker announces more vehicles will follow in 2022 in what will be a series of concept vehicles and components using fossil-free steel.

The first machine of this breed, a load carrier for use in mining and quarrying, was unveiled at a green steel collaboration event in Gothenburg, Sweden, hosted by Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO-Volvo Group.

Volvo claims the vehicle is the world’s first machine made of fossil-free steel. It says this concept machine, produced at Volvo CE’s facility in Braås, is just the start, with smaller-scale series production planned by 2022 and mass production set to follow.  

The automaker is committed to achieve net zero-value-chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Along with the electrification of its vehicles and machines, Volvo hopes to reduce the carbon footprint of its entire supply chain.

A move toward green steel is an important step considering that about 70% of a truck’s weight comes from steel and cast iron, with the figure for many of Volvo’s lightweight machines being even higher.

Lundstedt says, “Volvo Group is committed to pioneering partnerships such as this with SSAB to develop attractive, safe and efficient new vehicles and machines that pave the way for a more sustainable transport and infrastructure system adopted for the future.”