Volvo Trucks is ramping up its commitment to sustainability by increasing the use of low-CO2-emission steel in its trucks. Starting next year, this environmentally friendly steel will be used in tens of thousands of Volvo trucks, including electric models, as the company continues to lead the way in reducing the carbon footprint of heavy-duty vehicles.
Having pioneered the introduction of low-CO2-emission steel in electric trucks in 2022, Volvo is now expanding its use to all drivelines, further reinforcing its sustainability efforts. The steel, produced by Swedish manufacturer SSAB under the brand SSAB Zero, is made from recycled materials using fossil-free electricity and biogas, resulting in an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional steel production.
The shift to low-CO2-emission steel will see approximately 12,000 Volvo FH and FM trucks incorporate the material in their frame rails by next year, cutting down around 6,600 tons of CO2 emissions. As availability of this green steel increases, Volvo plans to integrate it into more truck models and other vehicle components.
Volvo Trucks is also exploring alternatives to other key materials, such as aluminum and plastic, to further reduce emissions and advance toward its long-term environmental goals. Senior Vice President of Product Management and Quality at Volvo Trucks, Jan Hjelmgren, emphasised the significance of this step: “This is an additional step towards our zero emissions vision. Steel is one of the main materials in our trucks, and we are proud to lead the industry in using sustainable materials in our vehicles.”
Steel accounts for 47% of the materials used in a Volvo FH diesel truck, representing approximately 44% of the CO2 emissions generated during production. By transitioning to low-CO2-emission steel, Volvo is addressing a major source of greenhouse gases in the production process.
Volvo Group’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond steel. The company is collaborating with several suppliers to explore low-emission material alternatives for other truck components, aligning with its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its supply chain by 2040. Additionally, Volvo is focused on increasing circularity in its operations, with many of its factories, transport systems, and dealerships already running on renewable energy.
This strategic move is part of Volvo Trucks’ broader ambition to meet the targets set out by the Paris Agreement and lead the industry in reducing emissions from truck manufacturing. As Volvo continues to innovate and implement sustainable materials, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of the shift toward greener, more environmentally friendly transportation.
