Volvo Helping To Create Climate-Neutral City

Volvo is continuing its rapid pursuit of climate neutrality. Around six months ago, the Swedish manufacturer announced that it had achieved 80 percent renewable electricity usage worldwide. And just a few days ago, the company said that it would dramatically increase the production of electric vehicles at its plant in Ghent, Belgium.

In line with these plans, Volvo has collaborated with the city of Gothenburg in Sweden to establish emission-free urban zones that can be used as testing grounds for sustainable technologies of the future. It's the first big step towards achieving an entirely climate-neutral city by 2030.

The project is known as the Gothenburg Green City Zone, with dedicated areas within the port city being 100 percent emission-free. To make this possible, the green zones will employ climate-neutral modes of transportation.

Technologies to be tested within these zones will include geo-enabling services to make sure that cars in the area are only driven in electric mode and that they don't exceed defined speed limits. Volvo will also operate robotaxis in the vicinity.

Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo Cars, said that the company wants to "create a future city that is electrified, connected, shared, and climate-neutral."

Along with the autonomous taxis that will be operated by M, Volvo's mobility provider, the green zones could feature electric mobility hubs and a comprehensive charging network for EVs.

Volvo aims to be a climate-neutral company by the year 2040 and, by 2025, it hopes that EVs will comprise 50 percent of its global vehicle sales. Models like the new XC40 Recharge will help Volvo achieve just that.

As for the Gothenburg Green City Zone initiative, it will begin in spring 2021 with the intention of scaling up gradually over time. It'll be interesting to gauge the impact of this city of the future around a year from now.