SSAB Zero™ to be used in 12,000 Volvo trucks to support net-zero supply chain by 2040
As part of its efforts to achieve a net-zero supply chain by 2040, Volvo Trucks is increasing its uptake of SSAB Zero™. From 2025, it plans to use SSAB Zero™ steel in the production of around 12,000 trucks.
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.
By using the low-emission steel in our frame rails, we will reduce the CO₂ footprint by around 2–3% per truck produced
Lars Mårtensson, Environment and Innovation Director at 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.”
About Volvo Trucks
- Volvo Trucks is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks.
- The company was founded in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1927.
- In 2023, it delivered around 145,000 trucks globally.
- It has around 2,200 dealerships and customer services points in around 130 countries.
The fossil carbon emissions in SSAB’s production of SSAB Zero™ are less than 0.05 kg CO2e/kg steel in Scope 1 and 2 of the GHG Protocol.
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.
What is SSAB Zero™ ?
SSAB Zero™ is steel made using recycled steel and fossil-free energy. It has virtually zero fossil emissions during steel production, without mass balancing or allocation of emission reductions or carbon emission offsetting.
How is SSAB Zero™ steel produced?
The first step in making SSAB Zero™ is to feed the electric arc furnace (EAF) with scrap. Heat is generated from an electric arc between electrodes. Oxygen is blown into the furnace, and lime and slag foamers are added to combine with the impurities and form slag. Molten steel is extracted and poured out via a tapping spout. Across the entire process, only fossil-free electricity and fuels will be used – resulting in SSAB Zero™ steel as the end-product.
When will SSAB Zero™ be available to the market?
SSAB launched SSAB Zero™ in March 2023. The order of product roll-out have been defined by the requests from our customers. It is SSAB’s ambition to have a large range of our steel grades available. Your sales contact will be able to advise more specifically about your business needs.
As a customer, what are the advantages and disadvantages of SSAB Zero™?
The primary advantage of SSAB Zero™ is that it is a steel that has created virtually zero carbon emissions from fossil fuels in SSAB’s own operations. It leaves fossil fuels in the ground; this means that you and your end-users become part of a low-emission value-chain. The only disadvantage of SSAB Zero steel is that start-up production costs are higher, making it more expensive to produce and so it has a higher price.
How can I find out more about SSAB Zero™?
If you cannot find the information you are looking for here, please contact us here. Or get in touch with your SSAB sales contact directly.
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