In a bold move to safeguard Europe's position in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) battery market, Scania, the Swedish truck manufacturer, is spearheading efforts to form a consortium aimed at acquiring Northvolt Labs, the research and development arm of the now-bankrupt Northvolt. The facility, located in Västerås, Sweden, represents a significant investment of approximately $750 million and employs over 1,100 specialists working on next-generation battery technologies.

Christian Levin, Scania's CEO, revealed in an interview with the Financial Times that the company is in discussions with potential partners, including the Swedish government and the European Commission, to share the financial burden of the acquisition. 'We're trying to form a consortium that could part-finance it, but we can't do it alone - it's simply too much, even for a large company like ours,' Levin stated, underscoring the strategic importance of keeping the lab's advanced research capabilities within Europe.

Northvolt Labs, often referred to as the 'crown jewel' by former executives, has been pivotal in developing cutting-edge materials for future batteries. Its potential acquisition comes at a critical time as the European automotive industry scrambles to meet stringent upcoming emissions regulations. The lab's expertise is seen as a key asset in maintaining the continent's competitive edge in the global shift towards electrification.

While the future of Northvolt's battery cell production in Skellefteå remains uncertain, with operations expected to wind down by June 30, the interest in Northvolt Labs highlights the industry's recognition of the value of its research and development capabilities. Scania's initiative reflects a broader trend of automotive and energy sectors investing heavily in battery technology to secure their futures in an increasingly electrified world.

Two senior leaders from ABB Electrification Service have been named among the Future of Field Service's prestigious 2025 Stand Out 50 Leaders, recognizing their significant contributions to advancing service innovation in the energy sector. Dr. Matthew Wise, Global Head of Strategy & Business Development, and Andressa Ferraz, Sustainability Advisory Service Manager for EMEA, were selected for their outstanding work in redefining field service capabilities and developing customer-centric energy solutions that support the global energy transition.

The recognition highlights the team's instrumental role in helping customers navigate complex energy challenges through new service business models and strategic collaborations. Their work emphasizes operational rigor, circularity principles, and long-term customer value creation, positioning ABB as a key partner for industries modernizing critical infrastructure and accelerating the shift toward smarter, cleaner operations. The award underscores ABB Electrification Service's commitment to extending asset lifetimes while supporting customers' sustainability objectives.

Stuart Thompson, President of ABB Electrification Service, praised the leaders' achievements, stating: "This recognition reflects Matt's and Andressa's commitment to redefining what field service can achieve when we work together with our customers as trusted partners. Their leadership in developing accessible energy solutions shows how service innovation can drive both performance and sustainability, all while remaining relentlessly focused on customer outcomes." He emphasized that their approach has enabled customers to better manage the complexities of renewable energy integration.

Dr. Wise has been instrumental in driving strategic partnerships and acquisitions to expand ABB's innovation ecosystem, particularly in digitalization, energy storage, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and edge computing. His collaborations with startups such as GridBeyond, Ndustrial, and Pratexo have enhanced ABB's ability to deliver sophisticated electrical asset management and real-time decision-making capabilities. Meanwhile, Ferraz has played a crucial role in pioneering ABB's newly launched Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems-as-a-Service offering, addressing critical market needs around energy storage and management solutions.