Volvo Trucks, the Swedish truck manufacturer, has expanded its use of low-CO2 emissions steel to all driveline types, building on its groundbreaking initiative launched in 2022. The company was the first truck OEM to introduce this environmentally friendly steel in the production of its electric trucks. Now, the low-CO2 steel will be utilized across a broader range of its models.
The steel, branded SSAB Zero, is produced by Swedish steel manufacturer SSAB. It is made entirely from recycled metal using fossil-free electricity and biogas, resulting in an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional steel production methods.
Volvo Trucks estimates that in 2025, the frame rails of approximately 12,000 Volvo FH and FM models will be manufactured using this low-CO2 steel, leading to an estimated CO2 savings of 6,600 tonnes.
As the availability of SSAB Zero increases, Volvo plans to extend its use across more parts of the truck assembly process, contributing to further reductions in emissions. Additionally, the company is working to replace other truck materials, such as aluminum and plastics, with low-emission alternatives.
“This is an additional step towards our zero-emissions vision,” said Jan Hjelmgren, Senior Vice President of Product Management and Quality at Volvo Trucks. “Steel is one of the primary materials in our trucks, and we are proud to lead the way in using sustainable materials across the industry.”
Steel accounts for 47% of a Volvo FH diesel truck’s materials and is responsible for approximately 44% of the total CO2 emissions during production. Other materials used include cast iron (26%), polymers (11%), and aluminum (8%).
Volvo Trucks continues to demonstrate its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes as it works toward achieving a zero-emissions future.
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