Back in August, a Swedish steel manufacturer SSAB delivered the world’s first fossil-free steel to the Volvo Group in Sweden, marking a significant milestone in the shift toward renewable energy. Now, the automaker has revealed what it says is the world-first vehicle made of fossil-free steel. It is a four-wheeled fully electric load carrier made for use in mining and quarrying unveiled at a green steel collaboration event, on October 13, 2021, in Gothenburg.
In addition to having no greenhouse gas emissions, the 8.2-tonne vehicle is also autonomous and follows the pre-programmed path to transport materials at a job site.
“This initiative with SSAB sets the benchmark for a fossil-free future. Just as the nations of the world come together at COP26 to address climate change, so too must organizations and industries work in collaboration to develop innovative new solutions for a greenhouse gas emission-free future,” says Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group.
At the event, it was announced that in 2022, more vehicles would be launched, in the form of series concept vehicles and components made from fossil-free steel. Small-scale series production is planned for 2022 and will then be followed by mass production, depending on the availability of steel from SSAB. The Swedish manufacturer is hoping to start mass-producing its fossil-free steel in 2026.
“Having the world’s first actual vehicle made using SSAB’s fossil-free steel is a true milestone. Our collaboration with Volvo Group shows that green transition is possible and brings results,” says Martin Lindqvist, President, and CEO at SSAB. “Together, we will continue reducing climate impact all the way to the end customer while ensuring that our customers get high-quality steel. We look forward to continuing to work with Volvo Group in research and development to produce more fossil-free steel products.”
