In an unprecedented move that’s set to turn Gothenburg, Sweden, into the Silicon Valley of the automotive world, Volvo Cars has announced plans to establish the Mobility Innovation Destination Torslanda. This cutting-edge initiative is not just a step but a giant leap in the company’s electrification journey and its quest to dominate the next generation of premium electric vehicles. It’s also a nod to its near-century-long romance with its hometown of Gothenburg.
Imagine a futuristic playground where cars charge without wires, talk back to the power grid, and drive themselves around – all without leaving the city. That’s precisely what Volvo envisions with this new innovation centre. It aims to test emerging technologies in a simulated future society, a far cry from the traditional confines of labs and development centers. This approach ensures that Volvo’s innovations aren’t just theoretical but practical and ready for the roads of tomorrow.
In a bid to foster a thriving ecosystem of innovation, Volvo plans to expand its Torslanda campus to include new buildings and facilities for testing, engineering, and materials. This expansion will also open its doors to startups and business partners, turning it into a melting pot of automotive innovation.
Jim Rowan, the chief executive of Volvo Cars, shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “With this initiative, we aim to create an ecosystem where we can develop the future of mobility – including cars, the technology inside of them, and the infrastructure around them, all hand in hand.” He also highlighted the company’s ambition to attract global talent and connect with cutting-edge businesses.
The construction of modern offices just across from the existing campus marks the next phase of the Mobility Innovation Destination Torslanda. This project is a collaborative effort with real estate developers Vectura Fastigheter and Next Step Group, promising cost-effective yet innovative construction solutions.
Sustainability is at the forefront of this initiative, with the first new construction being a 25,000 square meter wood hybrid building that significantly reduces carbon footprint. This building is just the start, with construction kicking off in the second quarter of 2024 and completion expected by 2026, just in time to celebrate Volvo Cars’ centenary in 2027.
Further cementing its commitment to a greener future, Volvo’s campus will be part of the Gothenburg Green City Zone initiative. This initiative aims for emission-free transport by 2030, testing new technologies for vehicles and infrastructure in a collaborative effort with the city of Gothenburg, businesses, researchers, and more.
Volvo Cars is not stopping there. Alongside the Mobility Innovation Destination Torslanda, the company has a strong engineering presence in the area, including a manufacturing plant, design centre, and various test and development facilities. A new battery plant is also under construction, in partnership with Northvolt, marking a significant investment in next-generation fully electric car production.
As Volvo Cars continues to innovate and expand its global footprint with various tech hubs and engineering centres, the Mobility Innovation Destination Torslanda stands as a testament to its commitment to the future of mobility. This initiative is not just about reimagining cars and their capabilities; it’s about redefining the very fabric of urban living and driving into the future with confidence and a touch of Swedish ingenuity.
