Volvo Trucks takes sustainability to the next level with its all-electric commercial trucks. The Swedish truck manufacturer announced that its heavy-duty trucks would feature fossil-free steel.
The transportation sector leads the consumption of fossil fuel and is the second-largest global contributor to toxic carbon dioxide emissions, according to Electrek.
The manufacturer is on track to change that. Volvo Trucks released the Volvo FL Electric, its first electric commercial truck, in 2019 and has been blazing its sustainable path ever since.
The Volvo VNR Electric follows FL Electric with an added range and bigger battery, which started laying out in North America in 2020.
The manufacturer took it further in September, unveiling three massive 44-ton electric trucks. With six commercial EVs, Volvo has the most extensive heavy-duty EV lineup.
Notably, the heavy-duty electric trucks are captivating top-tier partners looking to reach their climate goals. For instance, Amazon ordered 20 Volvo FH Electric models with a capacity of up to 44 tonnes and up to 300 km (186 miles) range.
The Swedish manufacturer does not stop there. The company now uses fossil-free steel to produce some of its electric trucks.
Volvo utilizes fossil-free steel for its electric trucks
“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 Senior vice president of product management at Volvo Trucks, Jessica Sandstrom.
Volvo states the company uses fossil-free steel made by Swedish steel manufacturer SSAB, utilizing state-of-the-art technology like hydrogen and fossil-free electricity.
Companies to start receiving fossil-free steel EV trucks
Some companies will start getting fossil-free steel EV trucks, including Amazon and 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.” the VP of transportation services for Amazon Europe commented on the innovation.
The fossil-free steel is created with hydrogen. It is currently being utilized in the truck’s frame rails. The company stated that as the availability of this type of steel increases, it would use it for the vehicle’s other parts.
90% of Volvo Trucks can be recycled, while 30% of materials come from recycled ones
Notably, about 90% of Volvo Trucks can be recycled at the end of its life, while 30% of materials used in new trucks came from recycled materials.
