Volvo is heading towards a cleaner future and this means it has taken a final call on scrapping its diesel portfolio. As Volvo had earlier announced, the new range of diesel engines will be the last in its offensive range. Details of the new engine have not yet been confirmed, but it's expected to help Volvo meet ever stricter new real-world emissions regulations. Speaking to the media, Lex Kerssemakers Senior Vice President, Volvo said, “We don't see a future for diesel. We are already reallocating resources [that would have been spent on diesel development] into full EVs. The engine we will launch in mid-2019 will be the last one we will develop.”
Kerssemakers says that diesel still has a role to play today and Volvo will continue offering it till the regulations allow. However, the switch to electric will be made instantly. Moreover, Kerssemakers was clear that 2025 target does not include plug-in hybrids. “PHEVs are clearly an in-between step,” he added. Switching rapidly to full electric will be the only way for car manufacturers to meet strict future emissions targets. Helping drive mainstream adaptation is Volvo's policy to electrify ‘regular' cars, rather than sell a standalone range of electric vehicles.
The Polestar 02 will be the first all-electric vehicle from Volvo and will arrive in 2019 followed by an all-electric iteration of the XC40.
Source: Motoring Research
