In 2022, Volvo Trucks became the world’s first truck manufacturer to use pilot deliveries of fossil-free steel from SSAB in its trucks. The steel – a proof of concept – was produced using HYBRIT^® technology, which replaces the coking coal in the iron ore reduction process, with hydrogen. Now, Volvo will also start using SSAB Zero™, a steel made using recycled steel and fossil-free energy. SSAB Zero™ will be used in the frame rails of around 12,000 Volvo FH and FM trucks slated for production in 2025.

“We started the introduction of the low CO₂ emission steel in our electric trucks in 2022. When we now have access to larger volumes of SSAB Zero™, we can also introduce it in our diesel and gas-powered trucks,” says Lars Mårtensson, Environment and Innovation Director, Volvo Trucks.

SSAB Zero™ is made using recycled steel and fossil-free electricity and biogas, making the steel virtually free from fossil CO₂ emissions. As a result, the amount of carbon emissions is reduced by around 80% compared to production of traditional steel.

“By using the low-emission steel in our frame rails, we will reduce the CO₂ footprint by around 2-3% per truck produced,” explains Lars Mårtensson. “It doesn't sound much, but next year we will produce 12,000 trucks, which will result in a total saving of 6,600 tonnes of CO₂.”

Taking a holistic approach to climate targets

Volvo Trucks is committed to the Paris agreement and has signed up to Science Based Targets. It is investing heavily in developing alternative fuel technologies such as battery electric and gas-powered trucks and is working extensively to reduce its own fossil carbon footprint. In addition to steel, Volvo Trucks is also investigating more sustainable alternatives for replacing the aluminum and plastic currently used in producing its vehicles.

“We want to be net-zero by 2040,” says Lars Mårtensson. “It means that our operations, our dealers, and the usage of the trucks need to be net-zero. But just as important, we also need to make sure that the production of the truck also becomes net-zero by 2040.”

Huge potential for future carbon reductions

Volvo Trucks estimates that almost half (47%) of a typical Volvo FH diesel truck consists of steel and represents around 44% of the carbon emissions from its production. SSAB Zero™ therefore offers huge potential for reducing Volvo Trucks’ carbon footprint even further.

“Having SSAB as one of our partners, we can jointly develop and speed up the introduction of new materials to reduce our CO₂ footprint,” says Lars Mårtensson. “We share the same ambition, and together we can move forward and make sure that we reach net-zero as soon as possible.”

More customers on SSAB Zero™

Other customers are also using SSAB Zero™. Read more on why and how.

The next generation of recycled steel

We are taking the next step towards a more sustainable future.