Volvo Trucks first manufacturer worldwide to use fossil-free steel in its trucks

As the world's first truck manufacturer, Volvo is now introducing fossil-free steel in its trucks. The steel is produced by Swedish steel company SSAB, and the heavy-duty electric Volvo trucks will be the first to contain the steel.

SSAB's steel is produced using an entirely new technology based on hydrogen. The result is a much lower climate impact than conventionally produced steel. From the third quarter of 2022, the steel will be introduced on a small scale in Volvo Trucks' heavier electric trucks.

"We will increase the use of fossil-free materials in all our trucks so that they emit zero emissions not only while driving, but also when it comes to the materials from which they are produced," said Jessica Sandström, Senior Vice President Product Management, Volvo Trucks.

The first steel produced with hydrogen is used in the truck's chassis beams; the backbone of the truck on which all other main components are mounted. As the availability of fossil-free steel increases, it will be used in other parts of the truck.

90% from a Volvo truck can be recycled

Today, about 30% of the materials in a new Volvo truck come from recycled materials. And at the end of its life, even up to 90% of the truck can be recycled.

"We continuously strive to further reduce our ecological footprint. Thus, we focus on circularity in all our processes, both in production and the truck itself," says Jessica Sandström.

Volvo Group has been working with SSAB on fossil-free steel since 2021. The first development, a cargo box for mining and quarrying made from fossil-free steel, was produced in October 2021. Fossil-free steel will be an important addition to the traditional and recycled steel used in Volvo's trucks.

Volvo Trucks has committed to the Paris climate agreement to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the value chain by 2040.