Volvo Begins Move to Producing Truck Batteries in Sweden

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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3rd August 2022

Volvo Group has launched the starts process to establish a plant for truck battery production in Sweden.

The automaker is hoping to meet the growing demand for battery electric heavy-duty vehicles and machines. It says an extensive site localization study has been done, which indicates that the Skaraborg region seen as an ideal location for the plant.

The proposed site in the municipality of Mariestad is situated close to the Volvo’s current main powertrain plant in Skövde and will benefit from the region’s existing industrial and logistics infrastructure and build on a strong heritage and competence in advanced, high-volume manufacturing, while having access to Sweden’s supply of fossil free energy. The group’s research and development centers and headquarters in Gothenburg are just two hours drive away.

The automaker plans to gradually increase capacity and reach large-scale series production by 2030. The battery cells will be designed specifically for commercial vehicle applications, supporting the global roll-out of electric trucks, buses, construction equipment and electric drivelines for different applications.

Establishment of the production site is subject to approvals from relevant authorities. The final localization will be determined after the public consultation has been conducted and operations are subject to environmental permit approvals.

Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO of the Volvo Group, said: “We aim to lead the transition to a decarbonized transport system and have the long-term ambition to offer our customers solutions that are 100% fossil free. There is a strong demand from our customers already today, and by 2030, it is our ambition that at least 35% of the products we sell are electric. This ramp-up will require large volumes of high-performing batteries, produced using fossil free energy and it is a logical next step for us to include battery production in our future industrial footprint. We aim to do this together with partners and the journey starts now.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_