It’s that V60, though, that has given Volvo much of the research data it needs to launch its new breed of electrified cars. The Swedish company expects hybrid electric cars to represent 10% of its global sales by 2017, before it launches an all-electric Tesla rival two years later.
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The first step will be the introduction of plug-in hybrid versions of the larger 90-series and 60-series cars, the Gothenburg-based manufacturer said in a statement on Thursday.
The electric story won’t stop there with plug-in versions of the new front-wheel drive 40-series cars – a replacement for the V40 hatch, an S40 saloon and an XC40 small SUV.
“We believe that the time has come for electrified cars to cease being a niche technology and enter the mainstream”, Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson said in a press release. Samuelsson is confident that in just two years’ time, a tenth of Volvo’s global sales will feature a few form of electrification.
Let’s hope Volvo can convince buyers that plug-ins are a sensible medium-term strategy, and that they focus on petrol-engined plug-ins rather than diesel.
The Swedes have already started enforcing their green propulsion plan with the XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, but their eco line-up will be led by a mid-sized EV that’s expected to land by 2019.
Volvo has revealed its electrification plans, which will see an all-electric rival to the Tesla Model S on sale by 2019 as well as plug-in hybrid versions of all its models.
The Swedish firm’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) is similar to the architecture that the XC90 and S90 are based upon and will give it the chance to challenge those in the mini-SUV sector that is now very popular.
Dr Peter Mertens, senior vice president for research and development said the company learned a lot about how people use cars thanks to its current product offering.
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“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”. And a Volvo is still thought of as a premium automobile in most parts of the world. “Battery technology has improved, costs are going down, and public acceptance of electrification is no longer a question”, Dr Mertens added. Be the first to leave one, enter your thoughts below.
