EVERY model in the Volvo range will have a plug-in hybrid version, the Swedish manufacturer has announced in a bid to take the ‘green high ground’ among carmakers.
It will also develop an entirely new range of electrified smaller cars and build a fully electric car for sale by 2019.
Volvo plug-in promise
- Volvo promises plug-in hybrids across whole range;
- It will produce all-electric car by 2019;
- 10% of all Volvo sales expected to be electrified.
As part of this new strategy, Volvo said it expects electrified vehicles to account for up to 10% of total car sales in the near future.
The first element of the new electrification strategy in Volvo’s hybrid pledge involves the introduction of plug-in hybrid versions of its 90 series and 60 series larger cars. This process has already begun with the launch of the T8 Twin Engine All-Wheel Drive plug-in hybrid version of its new XC90 SUV and will continue with plug-in hybrid versions of the new S90 premium sedan and other forthcoming models.
Volvo will also broaden the range of plug-in hybrid cars it offers with the introduction of a new front-wheel drive Twin Engine version.
It will also introduce an entirely new range of smaller 40 series cars based on its newly-developed Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which has been designed from the outset for electrification.
Volvo believes that plug-in hybrid cars offer customers the best combination of efficiency, range and convenience.
We have come to a point where the cost versus benefit calculation for electrification is now almost positive. Battery technology has improved, costs are going down, and public acceptance of electrification is no longer a question
For example, Volvo Cars’ XC90 T8 Twin Engine 7-seater SUV delivers more than 407hp and just 49 g/km CO2, plus a pure electric range of 43km, a claimed 112mpg fuel economy and a sprint to 62mph in just 5.6 seconds.
This combination of power, efficiency and environmental friendliness will be the hallmarks of all of Volvo Cars’ forthcoming electrified models.
“We have learned a lot about how people use cars with electrification thanks to our current product offer,” said Dr Peter Mertens, senior vice-president for research and development. “Our research has shown that people are driving our Twin Engine cars in electric mode around 50% of the time, meaning our plug-in hybrids already offer a real alternative to conventional powertrain systems.”
“With around 40 years of experience in the field of electrification, Volvo Cars has learned a lot about battery management along the way, delivering the best range per kilowatt hour in the industry.
“We have come to a point where the cost versus benefit calculation for electrification is now almost positive. Battery technology has improved, costs are going down, and public acceptance of electrification is no longer a question.”
