The Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF) has announced that Dr. Björn Nykvist, a Senior Research Fellow and Team Leader in Energy and Industrial Transitions at the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), is the recipient of the Håkan Frisinger Prize for Excellence in Transportation Research for 2025. The award includes SEK 300,000 and a guest researcher position at Lund University with an additional grant of SEK 500,000.
The Håkan Frisinger Prize is given annually to a distinguished transport researcher affiliated with a Nordic university or research institute. It aims to encourage research and development in transportation that benefits industry, academia, and society.
Dr. Nykvist is recognized for his significant interdisciplinary contributions to understanding the electrification of the transport sector, particularly regarding battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in climate policy and energy system transformation. His work spans engineering physics, psychology, environmental sciences, and social sciences over two decades.
VREF highlights Dr. Nykvist’s early research on battery cost trajectories as influential, notably his 2015 paper in Nature Climate Change which impacted global views on BEV viability due to decreasing battery costs. His studies have expanded into real-world adoption and system impacts of BEVs, including assessments of heavy-duty electric trucks conducted with the Swedish forest industry.
“Dr. Björn Nykvist embodies the spirit of the Håkan Frisinger Prize,” says VREF Director Henrik Nolmark. “His ability to connect rigorous scientific inquiry with direct policy relevance is crucial for a sustainable urban future.”
During his upcoming tenure at Lund University’s Division of Environmental and Energy Systems Studies under the VREF Visiting Researcher Programme, Dr. Nykvist will further integrate scientific disciplines to contribute to developing future researchers.
“This recognition is welcome,” says Lars J Nilsson from Lund University. “It offers an opportunity to deepen our collaboration on sustainable transports.”
In addition to academic publications, Dr. Nykvist engages in public debate by translating research insights into accessible reports for broader societal impact.
“Research that bridges disciplines is more important than ever,” states Dr. Nykvist. “I am honored to receive this prize.”
The selection process for the Håkan Frisinger Award involves review by an appointed panel and VREF Scientific Council before final approval by the VREF Board.
For further details contact Karin Henriksson at [email protected] or visit www.vref.se.
Volvo Group provides transport solutions worldwide since 1927 with headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden.
