Volvo Trucks is increasing the use of low-CO2-emission steel in its production, with plans to integrate the material into tens of thousands of trucks starting next year.

This steel, is produced by the Swedish steel company SSAB and called SSAB Zero, made from recycled materials using fossil-free energy, will be used in all drivelines, expanding from its initial use in Volvo’s electric trucks in 2022.

Volvo said in a news release that SSAB Zero steel reduces carbon emissions by 80% compared to traditional steel manufacturing. Next year, about 12,000 Volvo FH and FM trucks will have frame rails made from this material, leading to an estimated reduction of 6,600 tons of CO2 emissions.

As the availability of low-CO2-emission steel increases, it will be introduced in more truck models as well as in other parts of the truck.

“This is an additional step towards our zero emissions vision,” said Jan Hjelmgren, senior vice-president of product management and quality at Volvo Trucks. “We are also looking to exchange other materials, such as aluminum and plastic, with low-emission alternatives.”

With steel making up 47% of the material in a Volvo FH diesel truck and contributing to 44% of CO2 emissions during production, the shift to low-CO2-emission steel holds significant potential to reduce the company’s overall environmental impact.

Volvo Trucks aims to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals, with a commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its supply chain by 2040.