ArcelorMittal supplies low carbon steel for Daimler Truck’s circular truck concept

Munich, 29 April 2026 – Steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal is supporting the “reECONIC” concept vehicle from Daimler Truck with low carbon steel. The project demonstrates how circular economy principles can be implemented in industrial-scale commercial vehicle production.

Up to 80 percent circular materials

The battery-electric waste collection vehicle was developed together with 33 partners across the automotive value chain. The objective is to significantly increase the use of recycled materials while maintaining requirements for safety, durability and performance.

A TÜV-certified analysis shows that, in the future, up to 80 percent of the materials used – including steel, aluminium, glass and plastics – could be replaced by recycled, bio-based or renewable alternatives.

In addition, CO₂ emissions in vehicle production could be reduced by up to 36 percent.

Steel as a key lever

“ArcelorMittal supplied XCarb^® recycled and renewably produced steel for key structural components of the reECONIC concept vehicle. We are proud that our dedicated high circular-content offer supports Daimler Truck’s environmental ambitions and contributes to more sustainable mobility”, comments Paul Brettnacher, CMO Automotive, ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products. 

An average recycled content of around 88 percent was achieved in the components used.

Compared to conventional production routes, this approach reduces CO₂ emissions of the steel used by approximately 60 to 70 percent (cradle-to-gate). The steel is used in safety-critical components such as chassis rails as well as body structures.

Scalable without changes to production

A key finding of the project is industrial scalability: the integration of low carbon steels does not require fundamental changes to existing vehicle designs or manufacturing processes.

The materials fully meet requirements for quality, safety and durability in commercial vehicle applications and are already available today at series-production scale.

Partnership as a model for industry

The collaboration between ArcelorMittal and Daimler Truck goes beyond a traditional supplier relationship. It focuses on transparent carbon accounting, certified material data and the joint development of scalable solutions for lower-emission mobility.

Projects such as reECONIC demonstrate that decarbonisation in the commercial vehicle sector is driven not only by alternative drivetrains, but also by materials, supply chains and production processes.

Outlook: real-world testing and potential series production

The reECONIC will be presented for the first time at the environmental technology trade fair IFAT in Munich and will subsequently undergo real-world testing.

Project partners are currently assessing how materials, processes and supply chains from the concept can be transferred into series production.