On the occasion of Climate Week NYC, Volvo has just announced the end of production of all thermal models by the start of 2024. As the manufacturer explains, this is a step essential in its objective of becoming a 100% electric brand by 2030.
Like a large number of car manufacturers, Volvo has decided to make commitments in favor of electric motors. Thus, like Renault or even Ford, the Swedish brand has made the promise to sell only electric cars in Europe by 2030. And again, this is only the first step in this ambitious roadmap, since Volvo also wants to become a climate neutral company by 2040.
Volvo stops production of diesel cars from 2024
And on the occasion of Climate Week NYC, an event dedicated to global climate action which takes place every year in New York, Volvo wanted to reaffirm its commitment. In fact, the manufacturer has justannounce the end of production of all Volvo diesel models by the start of 2024. “In a few months, the last diesel-powered Volvo car will have been built, making Volvo Cars one of the first car manufacturers to achieve this milestone,” writes the brand.
To reach this key milestone, Volvo explains that it has already separated from its remaining assets in the development of combustion engines. Thus, the Swedish firm sold its shares in Aurobay, a joint venture founded in 2021 specializing in the design of complete engine solutions.
Also read: Volvo boosts the performance and range of its electric cars
The next logical step for Volvo
“Electric powertrains are our future, and superior to combustion engines: they are quieter, produce less vibration, generate lower maintenance costs for our customers and emit no emissions,” said Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars. Regardless, Volvo’s decision demonstrates how quickly the auto industry and user preferences have evolved.
In the case of Volvo alone, diesel cars still accounted for the majority of sales in 2019. In 2022, their share was only 8.9%, with electric and plug-in hybrid models now making up the bulk of sales. As the Scandinavian brand explains, it hopes that its decision will motivate other manufacturers to accelerate their electrification : ““We hope, through our diesel announcement today, to inspire other manufacturers to take bold action on climate change.”
After the C40 Recharge and the XC40 Recharge, Volvo will soon welcome other wattage models into its catalog. We are thinking in particular of the EX90, its future 7-seater electric SUV described as the pinnacle of safety by the manufacturer. A compact SUV, the EX30, is also expected and could well seduce with its price set below €40,000.