Volvo Car Group has "promised" to move away from combustion engines by 2030 and, to make that happen, it is continuing to take practical steps to electrify its range. One of the most significant moves in that direction is a partnership with the Swedish battery company Northvolt.
Still subject to final negotiations and a formal agreement between the parties (including approval by the board of directors), the collaboration is intended to develop and manufacture more sustainable batteries that will later be fitted not only to Volvo models but also to Polestar vehicles.
Although the deal has not yet been fully signed off, it would allow Volvo Car Group to tackle a sizeable share of the carbon-emissions footprint linked to each electric car: battery production. This is because Northvolt is not only a leading player in sustainable battery manufacturing, but it also produces battery cells close to Volvo Car Group’s European factories.
Electrifying the range by 2030
Volvo Cars’ target is to ensure that, as early as 2025, fully electric models account for 50% of total sales. By 2030, Volvo Cars will sell electric models only.
The partnership
If the partnership is confirmed, the first step in the joint work between Volvo Car Group and Northvolt will be the construction of a research and development centre in Sweden, with operations scheduled to begin in 2022.
Research and development centre in Sweden
The planned facility will serve as the starting point for the two companies’ shared efforts, focusing on the development work needed to support next-generation battery technology for Volvo and Polestar.
A new European gigafactory
The joint venture is also expected to lead to a new gigafactory in Europe, with a potential annual capacity of up to 50 gigawatt-hours (GWh) and powered by 100% renewable energy. Due to start operating in 2026, the site is expected to employ around 3000 people.
Cell supply from Northvolt Ett from 2024
Finally, the partnership would enable Volvo Car Group to secure 15 GWh of battery cells per year from 2024 via the Northvolt Ett plant. It should also ensure that Northvolt can meet Volvo Cars’ European requirements as part of its electrification plan.
A deal for the future
Commenting on the partnership, Håkan Samuelsson, Chief Executive of Volvo Car Group, said: "By working with Northvolt we will secure a supply of high-quality and more sustainable battery cells, thereby supporting our fully electrified company".
Peter Carlsson, Northvolt’s co-founder and Chief Executive, added: "Volvo Cars and Polestar are leading companies in the transition to electrification and the perfect partners for the challenges ahead, where we intend to develop and produce the world’s most sustainable battery cells. We are very proud to be the exclusive partner for both companies in Europe".
Finally, Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo Cars, highlighted: "The in-house development of the next generation of batteries, together with Northvolt, will allow us to create a design tailored to Volvo and Polestar drivers. In this way, we can focus on giving our customers what they want in terms of range and charging times".
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Leave a Comment