Zero-Emission Trucks: Episode 2 – Innovate to accelerate the green and digital transformation
The second episode of the #ZeroEmissionTrucks video series brings together Darja Isakson, Director General at Vinnova – Sweden´s Innovation Agency, and Lars Stenqvist, CTO of Volvo Group to discuss the importance of cooperation between academia and the industry in the transition of the road transport sector.
“This cooperation has been a success factor. And the same goes now when we’re looking into the future. This is very much an ecosystem thinking. It’s not just about the trucks,” said Lars Stenqvist.
All manufacturers have either already started or are about to start series production of their new zero-emission trucks; battery electric first and hydrogen-powered soon thereafter. “I’m less worried about the vehicles. The manufacturers will provide the vehicles, but I’m more worried about the availability of green energy and the availability of charging infrastructure,” Stenqvist added.
In order to achieve a green and prosperous transition for society as a whole and to reach EU climate objectives, the right framework must be put in place to accelerate the market uptake of low- and #ZeroEmissionTrucks.
“It matters what we do now. And obviously, it’s not just about providing the innovative technologies and products. It’s also about having the systems perspective, providing the infrastructure and the policy we need and really addressing all of the transformations at once,” Darja Isakson stated.
Indeed, Europe is undergoing a twin transition, green and digital. Stenqvist: “Electric vehicles, are opening up a lot for new digital services as well. And not least in the area of charging, for example, to provide services to our customers around charging, where to charge, how to charge, etc, to give them peace of mind here.”
“Digitalisation through the supply chains will also help us increase both security, resilience and sustainability. So driving the green transition is how we will be competitive and create a secure, resilient and competitive Europe,” Isakson concluded.
It’s not just about providing the innovative technologies and products. It’s also about having the systems perspective, providing the infrastructure and the policy we need and really addressing green and digital transformation. #ZeroEmissionTrucks
