Volvo is working with its hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden, to create a carbon-neutral city that will explore a range of new connected, electrified and autonomous technologies.
The manufacturer is a leader when it comes to electrification and safety, and is now part of an initiative known as the Gothenburg Green City Zone, which is an area within the municipality that Volvo aims to make carbon-neutral by 2030.
The area will be used as a testing ground to trial a range of technologies – including autonomous robotaxis operated by the brand’s mobility provider, called ‘M’. Geo-fencing technology, which ensures hybrid cars switch to electric power upon entering the zone and don’t exceed speed limits, will also be utilised.
With the brand having a range of plug-in models across its full range – from the S60 saloon through to the seven-seat XC90 SUV – it is also looking to explore different charging networks for electric cars, along with establishing ‘fully electric mobility hubs’.
Henrik Green, chief technology officer at Volvo Cars, said: “We want to use our knowledge and technology to help create a future city that is electrified, connected, shared and climate-neutral,
“This is an opportunity to lead by example: by testing new technologies and services in a live large-scale environment, we can show that if it is possible here, it is possible anywhere.”
The new initiative will start in the spring, and will be escalated going forward.
