SSAB and Mercedes-Benz to accelerate use of fossil-free steel in car production

Mercedes-Benz plans to manufacture prototype parts for its automobiles using fossil-free steel made from hydrogen.

SSAB and Mercedes-Benz have formed new cooperation to accelerate the use of fossil-free steel in car production.

The first of these prototype body shell pieces will be delivered next year, and by 2039, the Mercedes-Benz new passenger car fleet will be carbon-neutral throughout the value chain.

After converting its Oxelösund blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces and employing HYBRIT technology, SSAB intends to supply the market with fossil-free steel on a commercial scale.

This technique uses fossil-free energy and hydrogen to substitute coking coal, which is normally used in iron ore-based steelmaking.

This technique, according to SSAB, virtually eliminates carbon dioxide emissions in the steelmaking process.

Martin Lindqvist, President and CEO of SSAB, said, “We are extremely happy to welcome Mercedes-Benz as a partner for fossil-free steel products.
“Together, we are building an entirely fossil-free value chain all the way to the end customer.
“We are proud to reduce global carbon dioxide-emissions in collaboration with our new partner.”