Tag: Concepts

This Odd Looking Volvo Is The World’s First Vehicle Made Of Fossil-Free Steel

The Volvo Group unveiled a load carrier designed for use in mining in quarrying that it claims is the first vehicle ever made of steel made using no fossil fuel.

The unveiling follows the automaker’s announcement in June that it would partner with SSAB to source steel made without the use of fossil fuels. The steel is made using hydrogen instead of the carbon-intensive coking coal that is traditionally used in steel production.

Per SSAB, the steel industry accounts for about 7 percent of global direct carbon emissions. That, in turn, accounts for about 35 percent of the CO2 emitted in the manufacturing of Volvo’s internal combustion vehicles or 20 percent for EVs.

Read More: Volvo To Use Steel Made With Hydrogen And Electricity Saving Tons Of Fossil Fuel

“Having the world´s first actual vehicle made using SSAB´s fossil-free steel is a true milestone,” said Martin Lindqvist, President and CEO of SSAB. “Our collaboration with Volvo Group shows that green transition is possible and brings results.”

This is just the first in a series of concept vehicles as Volvo plans to debut more in 2022. The steel will play an important part in reducing Volvo’s carbon emissions, something it has committed to doing, saying that it will be climate neutral by 2040.

“Volvo Group is committed to pioneering partnerships such as this with SSAB to develop attractive, safe, and efficient new vehicles and machines that pave the way for a more sustainable transport and infrastructure system adopted for the future,” said Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO Volvo Group.

Unfortunately, Volvo won’t be able to make production vehicles with the steel for a few years as SSAB anticipates that it will only be ready to produce steel at a commercial scale in 2026. When that happens, it will be joined by Mercedes, which has also signed a deal with SSAB for its steel. The German automaker plans to produce the first prototype body parts using the steel next year.

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New Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron Concept Previews An Affordable Electric Crossover Coupe

Audi has officially unveiled the Q4 Sportback e-tron concept, which previews an upcoming production model that will be introduced next year.

Essentially a crossover coupe version of the Q4 e-tron concept, the Sportback features a sporty front fascia with a fully enclosed grille that is flanked by slender LED headlights. The model also has large air intakes and a prominent “e-tron” badge beneath the grille.

Bigger changes occur further back as the concept has a rakish windscreen and a steeply sloping roof. There are also muscular fenders, sporty side skirts and 22-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone finish.

Also Read: Audi Q4 E-tron Spied With Production Body, Closely Resembles The Concept

Rounding out the highlights are a large diffuser and a liftgate with an integrated spoiler. Elsewhere, there are slender taillights and an illuminated e-tron badge.

Moving into the cabin, drivers sit behind a flat-bottomed steering wheel and find themselves looking at a digital instrument cluster. To their right, is a 12.3-inch infotainment system and minimalist climate controls. We can also see a streamlined center console and a push-button shifter.

Other highlights include microfiber upholstery, metallic trim and black plexiglas accents. There are also two rear seats which are integrated into a wide bench.

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Motivation is provided by two electric motors that are feed by an 82 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.  The rear motor is the primary means of propulsion and it produces 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque.  If driver needs more power or conditions warrant more traction, the front motor – which is rated at 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) and 111 lb-ft (150 Nm) of torque – kicks on.

This setup gives the crossover a combined output of 302 hp (225 kW / 306 PS). It enables the concept to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6.3 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).

In terms of range, Audi says drivers can expect to travel more than 280 miles (450 km) in the WLTP cycle.  However, the company also mentioned a rear-wheel drive variant with a range in excess of 311 miles (500 km).

In regards to charging, Audi says the concept can be charged at a rate of up to 125 kW.  This will allow the crossover to get an 80% charge in a little more than half an hour.

The Q4 Sportback e-tron concept rides on the MEB platform and previews an upcoming production model that is slated to be introduced in 2021.  It will become the brand’s seventh electric vehicle after models such as the e-tron and e-tron GT.

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