Global ESG Update

Volvo presents first fossil fuel-free steel car

The first vehicle in the world has been made without the use of fossil fuel-driven steel, a Volvo. Swedish car manufacturer, Volvo Group, has unveiled the new car as a landmark achievement. The fossil-free steel was made using a new process using green hydrogen. Swedish steel manufacturer SSAB, one of the world’s largest steel manufacturers, is to provide more steel for concept vehicles and components for future Volvo launches across 2022.

The new steel production replaces traditional blast furnace processes which rely on carbon and coke to remove the oxygen from iron ore. The new process uses green hydrogen produced from water using renewable energy sources, causing water vapour to form instead of carbon dioxide.

SSAB is looking to supply the market with fossil-free steel commercially by 2026 once its blast furnaces are converted into electric arc furnaces and the process using Hybrit technology.