Unlock the Future of Transport with WISE’s Groundbreaking Collaboration

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Dive into our exclusive interview with Johan Fahlkrans, Head of Materials Technology for Powertrain at Scania, and discover how this partnership is shaping the future of mobility.

Why would you say, it is important that Scania participates in the WISE research program?

Scania values the launch of the WISE research program as a vital opportunity to strengthen collaboration both within the industry and between industry and academia. Collaboration and partnerships are important for addressing complex challenges such as sustainability in materials. I think we need to extend our collaborations even further to find synergies across the entire value stream of materials – from production processes to their ultimate purpose in society. WISE offers a platform to pursue these synergies effectively.

The WISE research program, with its focus on the development of sustainable materials, provides a clear and strategic direction for the material science research in Sweden. Our involvement in the WISE research program reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability.

What importance does sustainable materials have within Scania?

Sustainable materials are essential to Scania’s purpose of driving the shift towards a sustainable transport system. Materials play a key role in enabling this transition in two ways. First, material innovation is crucial for advancing zero-emission vehicle technologies. This includes the development of battery and hydrogen technologies. Additionally, materials play a role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of internal combustion engines, enabling development of low or zero emissions solutions.”

Second, reducing the environmental footprint of materials and their manufacturing processes is critical. As vehicle emissions from the use phase are lowered, the relative impact of materials and production on the lifecycle footprint becomes more significant. To address this, Scania is working intensively to minimize the footprint of materials in its vehicles. By 2030, Scania aims to exclusively use green steel, batteries, aluminum, and cast iron, marking a transformative step towards sustainability across the supply chain.

What value do you see in companies collaborating with research programs?

I see great potential in collaborating with research programs. At Scania Materials Technology, we have built a strong network with universities and research institutes. Our primary focus in these collaborations is to develop fundamental knowledge, which allows us to collaborate with other industrial partners, which often gives new insights.

Academic partners require time and resources to achieve excellence in their fields, and research programs provide the stability and focus necessary for this development. Research programs often allow collaboration between faculties, resulting in a stronger, multidisciplinary expertise within the field.

Research programs hold significant influence on and responsibility over the direction of research being made. In my opinion, a research program must have a clear and strategic long-term vision. Together with long-term and stable means of financing, a research program can enable academia to plan their growth and innovation strategy. The WISE research program exemplifies this approach by supporting the long-term advancement of sustainable materials research in Sweden. Its initiative strengthens the relationship between academia and industry.

What trends do you see for the future, related to customer behavior, and demands that effect you as a company.

We observe a strong and growing desire among our customers to make responsible and sustainable choices. Sustainability has become a key factor in their purchasing decisions, reflecting a broader societal shift toward reducing environmental impact. In some regions, legislation and penalties are playing a significant role in driving the transition to electrified vehicles.

Electrification remains our primary solution for achieving zero-emission vehicles, addressing the demand for cleaner transport solutions. However, we also recognize the continued need to develop and optimize internal combustion engines. By improving their efficiency and enabling them to operate on a wider range of renewable and low-carbon fuels, we can provide sustainable options for customers in regions or industries where full electrification is not yet feasible.