Volvo Pushes Back on Electric-Only Strategy to Invest in Hybrids

Volvo shelves its oft-stated aim to become an exclusively battery-electric vehicle maker by 2030 as it commits to continued investment in hybrid powertrains for the foreseeable future.

In unveiling the third generation of its flagship XC90 plug-in hybrid SUV, the automaker’s CEO, Jim Rowan, makes it clear that Volvo Cars will continue to satisfy consumer demand wherever that takes the industry.

While introducing the new model beside its XE90 BEV sibling, Rowan admits: “Many people are just not ready to make the change to pure-electric transport. Maybe it’s the charging infrastructure, or the speed of charging is not quite there yet.

“Maybe it’s because they worry about the range. Maybe it’s simply because the thought of changing to electric propulsion after decades of driving an internal-combustion engine is a big step. If that is you, we understand and we want to help you along the way.

“When you go through such a complex transition, pragmatism wins the day and at Volvo Cars we are not dogmatic about our 2030 ambitions.

“Most importantly is that we provide products that our customers want. We will be ready to go fully electric this decade but if the market, infrastructure and customer acceptance is not quite there, we can allow that to take a few more years.

“The transition to electrification will not be won yet. Customers and markets are moving at different speeds. Therefore, we will continue to invest in our hybrids so that wherever you are in your journey to electric driving you can have a Volvo to suit your needs and situations.”

Despite cooling attitudes toward BEVs, the automaker ends its presentation of the XC90 with a video teasing images of an upcoming electric sedan dubbed the ES90.

Rowan goes on to say the previous two generations of the XC90 sold nearly 1 million units, with many of them going to U.S. consumers, and that the third-generation model hopes to build on that foundation.

One of the car’s upgraded more powerful hybrid powertrain is a 43-mile (69-km) electric-only driving range on top of another ICE-assisted total range between refuels of nearly 500 miles (805 km).

There is also the choice of two mild-hybrid gasoline variants, the B5 and B6, both assisted by a 48V lithium-ion battery and an integrated starter/generator to reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 15% in real-world driving.

Safety features include an advanced safety cage, radar and a front camera with lane-keep technology. It can use braking and steering to help avoid collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.