A useful set of tools or a heavy backpack? A case study of Volvo Trucks during the shift from fossil fuels to electricity

Abstract

Since the discoveries of the externalities caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, a more sustainable alternative has been sought. One such solution that has gained increased attention from both the public and the manufacturing industry is Battery Electric Vehicles, BEVs. However, for the vehicle production industry, this technological shift is not unproblematic due to heavy investments in the development and production of Internal Combustion Engines, ICEs. The aim of this study is hence to try and identify the main considerations of a mature producer, Volvo Trucks, because of the company’s size and the sister company’s already developed battery electric busses, through a literature review and interviews. The results show that Volvo Trucks are aiming to educate their customers on the benefits of BEVs, help handle the customers’ perceived risk, as well as to create a more agile organisation.