In a Keynote that highlighted both realism and resolution, the Director of Technology of the Volvo Group, Lars Stenqvist, addressed to the public Act Expo with a clear message: reaching net zero emissions in commercial transport will require a large solutions toolbox – including battery electric vehicles (BEVS), hydrogen fuel cell systems internal combustion fueled by renewable fuels.
“Our future is electric – with batteries and hydrogen. But it also includes internal combustion engines, propelled in a sustainable way,” said Stenqvist, presenting a pragmatic and multi -chemin of Volvo approach to decarbonization.
Stenqvist pointed out that Volvo Group remains fully committed to its objective of becoming a net-zero company by 2040. To achieve this, the company continues what it called a “double-technology strategy” centered on BEVS and hydrogen trucks, but without abandoning the combustion engine. Instead, Volvo invests in the optimization of ICEs to operate on renewable fuels and with low carbon content such as HVO, biogas and potentially hydrogen combustion – an inscription for any viable solution is left in the race for decarbonization.
“We must be open to technology. Battery electric trucks and hydrogen trucks are not in competition. They are complementary,” he said to the crowd, adding that combustion engines – when they are sustainable – can continue to play a key role, especially in regions without load or hydrogen infrastructure.
Volvo’s conviction in this multi-technology strategy is supported by data and deployment. Stenqvist noted that the company had already delivered more than 3,500 electric trucks to clients in 45 countries, leading the global class of class 8 electrification market. In North America, Volvo Trucks continues to develop the deployment of electric trucks, supported by programs such as Volvo Lights and Partnerships focused on the construction of the load ecosystem.
Looking at hydrogen, Volvo increases both hydrogen fuel cells technology – through its cellular joint venture with suede truck – and hydrogen combustion as part of its roadmap to serve longer range and heavy segments. “Hydrogen is the key to flexibility and long operations,” said Stenqvist. “We are developing both fuel cells and hydrogen ICE.”
Throughout the discourse, Stenqvist returned to the theme of decarbonization on the scale of systems. Volvo’s sustainability strategy extends beyond vehicles to include manufacturing, supply chains and the circular economy. “This is the full value chain. Our goal is the Netzero not only in our trucks, but in everything we do, “he said.
Calling for collaboration, Stenqvist urged public and private stakeholders to accelerate the development of infrastructure, political support and cooperation between industry. “We cannot do this transition alone,” he said. “The speed of decarbonization depends on all of us – emps, fleets, decision -makers and technology providers – working together.”
Closing his speech, Stenqvist remained optimistic despite the challenges: “We transform transport – in general and collectively. Let us continue to drive the change, more quickly and together. ”
While the Act Expo continues, Volvo Group’s message is distinguished by its balanced vision of the transition – considering the diversity of fleet needs and market conditions while remaining firmly attached to the ultimate objective: a Net -Zero future.