Volvo Group and SSAB have unveiled an autonomous loader made of fossil-free steel, which they claim is the world’s first vehicle made from the material.
The loader was manufactured at Volvo Construction Equipment’s facility in Braås, Sweden. The partners say that more vehicles will follow in 2022 in what will be a series of concept vehicles and components using fossil-free steel from SSAB.
The machine, a load carrier for use in mining and quarrying, was unveiled at a green steel collaboration event on October 13 in Gothenburg.
Melker Jernberg, president of Volvo CE, said: “Our ambition is to have fossil-free steel used across all our products, with a step-by-step approach. This machine is proof that we really can make fast progress, when we work together in strong partnerships, when we are determined to act and we enable our skilled people to contribute to building the world we want to live in. Not only for our generation, but for generations to come. Our team in Braås is understandably proud to help make this innovation happen.”
Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO Volvo Group, added: “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. 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.”
With a commitment to be climate-neutral and achieve net zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, Volvo Group says it is on the path towards developing sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions of the future. Along with the electrification of its vehicles and machines, Volvo adds that it is determined to reduce the carbon footprint of its entire supply chain and this latest innovation is one step forward on this path.
“Having the world’s first actual vehicle made using SSAB’s fossil-free steel is a true milestone,”says Martin Lindqvist, president and CEO at SSAB. “Our collaboration with Volvo Group shows that green transition is possible and brings results.
“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.”
Volvo Group says that a move toward green steel is an important step for the company, as well as for the transport and infrastructure industries as a whole, particularly considering that around 70% of a truck’s weight comes from steel and cast iron, with the figure for Volvo machines even higher.
The group adds that this first concept machine is “just the start”, with smaller-scale series production planned by 2022 and mass production set to follow.
