Electromobility

A Cornerstone In The Green Transition

Sweden is world-leading in advancements in electric road technology, accelerating the global shift toward fossil-free transportation.

Given that the freight industry accounts for 7% of global CO2 emissions, prioritizing advancements in freight mobility is essential in the broader landscape of electromobility. Einride is a provider of digital, electric, and autonomous shipping technology worldwide, with its electric-autonomous vehicles being live-monitored by remote operators.

The electric-car manufacturer Polestar, a subsidiary of Volvo Cars, launched its first car in 2017 and as of August 2024 they are producing the electric SUV Polestar 3 in Ridgeville, South Carolina. By establishing production in Ridgeville, Polestar is not only contributing to American manufacturing as it transitions toward electrification but is also helping to define the future of automotive manufacturing in the state.

Sweden’s advancements in electromobility extend beyond the confines of road transportation. Founded in 2014, Candela set out to create an electric boat that could outperform fossil-fuel-burning competitors. After making waves in the recreational boating market, the company wants to do the same for passenger vessels. Candela’s P-12 shuttle’s computer-stabilized hydrofoils bring smooth commutes to waterfront cities. It’s more energy-efficient than a hybrid electric bus and has low investment costs, both of which can help open waterways to connect communities like never before.

Similar initiatives are underway at X Shore. Dubbed the “Tesla of the sea,” its X Shore Pro model represents the company’s first commercial boat, designed for organizations with operations ranging from shuttle services to commercial traffic and coast guards. Volvo Penta, a subsidiary of Volvo Group, offers integrated engine solutions with a primary focus on the design and manufacturing of marine and industrial engines.

Disrupting the automotive industry
Volvo was the first traditional carmaker to declare the goal of going all electric. Since 2019, all models produced are electric or hybrid, and by 2030 its production will be 100% electric. Volvo opened its first U.S. factory in 2018 near Charleston, South Carolina, and has a capacity to build up to 150,000 cars per year, including the recently launched fully electric S.U.V. EX90.

Einride Aet Gen2

Photo: einride.com

Heart Aerospace

Shifting from the seas to the sky, Heart Aerospace, with headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, is establishing a new research and development hub in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2019 and backed by investors such as Breakthrough Energy, Heart Aerospace is developing a hybrid electric airplane, the ES-30, for regional air travel.
Photo: heartaerospace.com

Volvo Group has participated in the U.S. Department of Energy’s SuperTruck initiative since its launch in 2009, successfully demonstrating new efficient technologies for Class 8 trucks, and improving freight efficiency by 134% for the most recent SuperTruck 2.

Charging Infrastructure

Since the first electric vehicles entered the market, the prevailing question has been: How far can you propel? Electric vehicles hinge on the availability of charging infrastructure, a recognition embraced by ABB e-mobility. While ABB may be primarily known for its transformers or robots, it also specializes in e-mobility, providing reliable and emissions-free electric-vehicle charging technology. Hitachi Energy is also powering the next generation of e-vehicles with its innovative RoadPak™, a high-performance power semiconductor enhancing the performance of electric vehicles.

Sweden has already deployed a number of “e-road” pilot projects in and is building the world's first permanent electrified highway. On an electric road, cars and trucks can recharge while driving. Elonroad is one of the companies behind the technology. As well as roads, the technology could be used in places like container ports, factories or mines, where vehicles do the same route over and over. In addition to building tech for e-roads, Elonroad has a commercial product that charges vehicles while they are parked on strips in the ground, saving space in places such as factories and logistics hubs.