Together with Luleå University of Technology, Skellefteå Kraft and ILC Storuman, we’re developing Arctic Mobility Arena as a platform where industry, academia and the public sector can collaborate, share knowledge and accelerate the transition to fossil-free transport.

While new vehicles and technologies are entering the market, the main challenge remains: making the entire transport system work in practice. Vehicles, charging and refuelling infrastructure, energy supply and logistics must function together – especially in Arctic conditions, with long distances, low temperatures and demanding transport flows.

From technology to real-world system validation

During autumn 2026, we’ll invite transport operators, freight buyers, energy companies, vehicle manufacturers and public-sector stakeholders to a joint dialogue on needs, challenges and potential projects within the arena.

“Electrification is entering a new phase. The question is no longer whether it can be done, but how to make it work reliably under real-world conditions. Northern Sweden offers a unique combination of infrastructure, industry and research expertise. We look forward to bringing stakeholders together to begin shaping concrete projects,” says Tobias Vahlne, Director of ACE.

Potential projects may include testing battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles in regular transport operations. They may also include validating charging and refuelling solutions in winter conditions, and studying how new technologies affect logistics, operations and workforce planning.

Building system knowledge together

Significant progress has been made in developing individual technologies, but important knowledge gaps remain when it comes to how the full transport system functions in practice.

“Significant progress has been made in developing individual components for the fossil-free transition. However, major knowledge gaps remain regarding how technical, operational and organisational elements interact in real-world environments. This type of system knowledge can only be developed through practical operation and testing,” says Marcus Björling, Program Manager for eMobility at ACE and Associate Professor at Luleå University of Technology.

A unique environment for future transport systems

Storuman offers a strategic location where transport flows, energy infrastructure and Arctic operating conditions come together. The E12 and E45 highways intersect here, alongside the Inland Line railway and the cross-country connection towards Umeå. The Storuman terminal functions as an intermodal hub where freight is transferred between road and rail, and is already used by companies in forestry and logistics.

At the same time, one of Sweden’s first public hydrogen refuelling stations for heavy vehicles is being established in the area. Together, these elements create a rare combination of real transport flows, emerging energy infrastructure and Arctic operating conditions – making Storuman a relevant environment for developing and validating the next generation of heavy transport systems.

“Industry needs places where new vehicles and transport systems can be tested under real operating conditions. Here, we already have the environment, infrastructure and expertise required to make electrification work in practice,” concludes Johan Duvdahl, CEO of ILC Storuman.

Arctic Mobility Arena is part of ACE Sandbox, where we develop and test solutions in real-world environments together with industry, academia and the public sector.