Volvo's Diesel Exit: A Sign of the Times or a Mistake?
Volvo has officially announced that it will stop producing diesel engines for its passenger cars by early 2024. The Swedish automaker, which has been a pioneer in diesel technology for decades, is now fully committed to its electrification strategy and aims to sell only electric vehicles by 2030.
Volvo's decision to end diesel production is not surprising, given the declining demand for diesel cars in Europe and other markets. According to Reuters, diesel cars accounted for more than half of Volvo's sales in Europe in 2019, but only 8.9 percent in 2022. Diesel cars have also faced increasing regulatory pressure and environmental scrutiny, especially after the Volkswagen emissions scandal in 2015.
Volvo has already stopped developing new internal combustion engines since last year and sold its stake in Aurobay, a joint venture company that held its remaining combustion-engine assets. Volvo's CEO Jim Rowan said that the company is no longer spending any money on R&D for combustion engines and that electric powertrains are superior to diesel engines in terms of noise, vibration, servicing costs, and emissions.
What Volvo is doing to achieve its EV goals
Volvo has been one of the most ambitious automakers in terms of electrification, as it plans to become a fully electric car company by 2030 and a carbon-neutral company by 2040. Volvo has already electrified all of its new models since 2019, offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric options. Volvo's first dedicated EV, the XC40 Recharge, was launched in 2020 and was followed by the C40 Recharge this year. Volvo also has two more EVs in the pipeline: the EX30 compact SUV and the EX90 flagship SUV, which are expected to debut later this year.
Volvo is also investing heavily in battery technology and charging infrastructure to support its EV transition. Volvo has partnered with GM to use its Ultium battery platform for some of its future EVs, such as the EX30 and the EX90. Volvo has also joined forces with Northvolt, a Swedish battery manufacturer, to build a gigafactory in Europe and develop its own battery cells. Moreover, Volvo has teamed up with ChargePoint, one of the largest charging networks in the world, to provide its customers with access to more than 115,000 charging points across North America.
How Volvo's customers and fans will react to the diesel phase-out
Volvo's move to end diesel production will likely have mixed reactions from its customers and fans, especially those who have been loyal to the brand's diesel heritage. Some may feel nostalgic or disappointed by the loss of a long-standing tradition, while others may embrace the change and look forward to the benefits of electrification. Volvo has assured its customers that it will continue to service and support its existing diesel cars for as long as they are on the road.
Volvo's diesel phase-out is a bold and decisive step towards its vision of a sustainable future. By focusing on electric vehicles, Volvo hopes to deliver on its promise of providing safe, premium, and environmentally friendly cars that meet the needs and expectations of its customers. As Rowan said: "We're fully focused on creating a broad portfolio of premium, fully electric cars that deliver on everything our customers expect from a Volvo—and are a key part of our response to climate change."
Please login to leave a comment.... Login Here
Read also
-
Why the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback Is a Serious AMG Rival
It's said "Competition fuels innovation." and that's why Audi has taken this mantra to the heart by launching the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback, a fierce rival to the Mercedes GLC 43 AMG Coupe. Combining sharp design, cutting-edge technology, and electrified performance, this 2nd generation model redefines what a luxury performance SUV should be and raises the standards even higher. With these bold upgrades and attention to detail designs, you can be sure that Audi isn't just joining the race—it’s setting new benchmarks.
3 months ago389 views4 mins read -
Nissan’s 1.5L, 400-HP 3-Cylinder Engine Deserved to Live on Beyond Racing
A 1.5-liter, 400-horsepower engine that weighs just 88 pounds? It sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi novel, yet Nissan brought this powerhouse to life for the DeltaWing project at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This pint-sized engine, nicknamed "Diglett," could rival the power-to-weight ratio of some Formula 1 engines—a feat nearly unheard of for a three-cylinder. With such a compact build, it’s small enough to fit in an airplane’s overhead bin. And yet, it never made it to mainstream production.
4 months ago872 views4 mins read -
Ferrari's First Electric Car Will Get a Roaring "Authentic" Sound
Ferrari stands poised to embrace the electric revolution while preserving the exhilarating symphony that has long defined its legacy. The iconic Italian marque is set to unveil its first ever electric vehicle (EV) next year, promising a harmonious blend of traditional Ferrari thrills with innovative electric technology.
9 months ago879 views2 mins read -
Stellantis Issues Major Recall for 211,000 Vehicles Over ABS Software Glitch
Stellantis has announced a recall of more than 211,000 vehicles due to a critical software malfunction within the anti-lock braking system (ABS) affecting vehicle’s general stability. This defect could potentially lead to the deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC) system, posing an increased risk of vehicular accidents.
9 months ago838 views2 mins read