Volvo Cars played a pivotal role as environment and climate ministers from EU member states gathered near Stockholm today to test a variety of electric vehicles, including cars, trucks, and excavators.
During Sweden’s EU Council presidency in the first half of 2023, the test drive was part of an informal EU Council meeting. The event was co-hosted by Volvo Cars, Volvo Group, Scania, Mobility Sweden, and the Swedish Government.
EU ministers and the EU Commissioner for Environment tested an array of fully electric vehicles, such as the Volvo C40 and XC40. The test drives were preceded by an initial presentation session, featuring a 15-minute keynote speech by our CEO, Jim Rowan.
However, electrifying our cars alone isn’t enough; we need to address emissions across all operations. Our goal is to cut the lifecycle carbon footprint per car by 40% between 2018 and 2025, including reducing supply chain emissions. To achieve this, we collaborate with like-minded partners.
For instance, Volvo Cars was the first automaker to partner with Swedish steel producer SSAB to explore near-zero emission, high-quality steel for the automotive industry. As a preview, the Volvo cars at the test drive featured a tread plate made of near-zero emission steel from SSAB.
Last year, Volvo Cars also became the first automaker to join the SteelZero initiative, which aims to boost demand for fossil-free steel and drive a transition to carbon neutrality in the global steel industry.
In his speech, Jim Rowan emphasized our commitment to more sustainable battery production, exemplified by a joint venture with Swedish battery company Northvolt. Together, we’re developing a new generation of batteries to be manufactured at our new Gigafactory in Gothenburg, powered entirely by climate-neutral energy.
The EU aims to enhance its global competitiveness in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Mr. Rowan welcomed the recently proposed Net Zero Industry and Critical Raw Materials Acts, noting that provisions to streamline and expedite permitting processes will help businesses launch projects more swiftly. These measures must be implemented promptly.
Mr. Rowan also urged the EU to take additional steps, such as increasing fossil-free electricity production and boosting public spending on research and higher education, to ensure the EU retains the talent crucial for a successful transition.