World famous Swedish car making company – Volvo – is preparing to convert all its mainstay models – two sedans and three SUVs into full-fledged electric vehicles. The carmaker is all set to introduce a swanky electric van to cater to Asian markets and boost sales in the region. By 2030, Volvo is expected to launch at least six new electric vehicles. Likewise, their Australian unit said that it plans to sell solely electric cars by 2026. The Swedish brand hit the headline in 2017 when it became one of the first mainstream car manufacturers to announce that it no longer planned to sell combustion-powered engines. After that, Volvo has taken comprehensive measures toward a complete electric shift by merging its combustion engine program with sister firm Geely.
Brief overview of Volvo’s EV plans
The new battery-powered electric car being planned for the next four years is the Volvo-branded MPV, which is premised on an automobile that Zeely’s Zeekr brand sells in China. Termed the Zeekr 009, it is a massive, battery-driven electric van offering three rows of seating. The vehicle competes against counterparts like the Toyota Alphard. Moreover, Volvo also has plans to work on developing sedans and the ensuing people-mover model in its Shanghai research and development epicenter. The hub, which has increased its design team by three times, was recently shifted to a larger building.
The first electric vehicle planned by Volvo is the new EX90 sport-utility crossover. It was unveiled in late 2023 and is expected to hit showrooms by early 2024. Other battery-driven vehicles in the cards include electric versions of Volvo’s mainstay – the XC90, XC60, and XC40, coupled with the S60 and S90 sedans. The mainline vehicles will follow Volvo’s simple and sleek design cues, but the novel MPV will target buyers through a more dynamic structure, something inspired by Zeekr 009. An anonymous source says that unique and new features include a massive, LED-illuminated grille.
Collaborations with other EV makers
Volvo developed and sold its hybrid and gasoline powertrain to Geely, a Chinese EV maker. Thus, the Chinese carmaker has decided to amalgamate all its gasoline powertrain assets, including those from Volvo, with factories made of Renault, to create a new and innovative company dedicated to gasoline and hybrid engines. Geely and Renault are working to execute a deal to rope in Saudi Aramco as an investor and partner in the unique expedition, as reported by Reuters.
