Volvo says all-EV from 2030
Next step after 50 percent EV by 2025
Volvo has just announced that it is upping its electrification plans. The automaker just announced that it plans to be a fully electric automaker by 2030, and that means that even plug-in hybrids are getting the boot.
The Swedish automaker had already announced that it wanted to make half of its sales fully electric vehicles by 2025, with the rest offering some sort of hybrid driveline. That would put the luxury brand ahead of its rivals when it comes to cleaning up its tailpipes, but this step goes well beyond that.
“There is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine,” said Henrik Green, chief technology officer for Volvo Cars. “We are firmly committed to becoming an electric-only car maker and the transition should happen by 2030. It will allow us to meet the expectations of our customers and be a part of the solution when it comes to fighting climate change.”
While other automakers use words like “aspire” and “hope”, this Volvo plan seems much more concrete, though it does still have some industry expectations built-in.
For example, Volvo says it expects legislation to promote EVs as well as a “rapid expansion of accessible high quality charging infrastructure,” both of which will help accelerate consumer acceptance. So if the chargers don’t show up, Volvo may be forced to divert from dropping all of its combustion engines.
Volvo recently launched its first EV, the XC40 Recharge, and is set to reveal another EV later today.
