Volvo targets lowest carbon footprint with EX30

Volvo is aiming to record the lowest carbon footprint in its lineup with the EX30 small sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The Swedish carmaker plans to do that by tackling emissions across the entire production and lifecycle of the Volvo EX30. 

“Our new EX30 is a big step in the right direction for our sustainability ambitions. By 2025, we aim to reduce our overall CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions per car by 40 percent from 2018 levels through a 50 percent reduction in overall tailpipe emissions, and a 25 percent reduction in emissions from our operations, raw material sourcing, and supply chain — all on the way towards our ambition of being a climate-neutral company by 2040,” said Volvo Cars Global Head of Sustainability Anders Kärrberg. 

Key to reducing the carbon footprint of the Volvo EX30 by 70 percent compared to the carmaker’s other electric models is its size. The small SUV requires fewer materials in production like aluminum and steel. The two, Volvo Cars pointed out, are the biggest contributors to production-related carbon dioxide emissions. 

Additionally, around a quarter of the aluminum used for the Volvo EX30 is recycled. Likewise, about 17 percent of the steel used in the small electric SUV is also reprocessed.

Speaking of recycling, approximately 17 percent of the plastic components used inside the Volvo EX30 are made from reused plastic. 

“Inside, we use a wide array of recycled and renewable materials for seats, dashboard, and doors, including materials such as denim, flax, and a wool blend that also contains around 70 percent recycled polyester. The denim in particular is a good example of how to use materials in smarter and more sustainable ways,” Volvo Cars wrote in a press release. 

Further, the Gothenburg-headquartered marque revealed that it has combined multiple functions for the Volvo EX30. This approach lets the designers of the brand reduce the number of parts needed in the cabin without compromising the vehicle’s functionality.

All the abovementioned steps contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint of the Volvo EX30, making it the company’s car that has the lowest carbon footprint to date.

The Volvo EX30 will be revealed on June 7 and will be available to order or pre-order in selected markets on the same date.

Photos from Volvo

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