Like many automotive giants, Volvo aims to go all-electric and has announced plans to do so by the year 2030 by ditching the petrol and diesel-run engines.
Volvo’s chief executive describes the electric-vehicle market in the following words: “I am totally convinced there will be no customers who really want to stay with a petrol engine.” He further added: “We are convinced that an electric car is more attractive for customers.”
Their more short-term aim of the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker is to earn 50% of its sales from all-electric and hybrid models. The Adoption of electric cars will further drive sales of various electric car equipment and accessories, said the CEO of TopGearAdvice.com, a car review website. Potential customers can expect a complete new range of electric models in the next few years, and interestingly, they will only be sold online.
One such model is the C40, an all-electric SUV capable of running for 420 kilometers (261 miles) on a single charge. A piece of good news for the customers, revealed by Chief technology Officer Henrik Green is that like Tesla models, these upcoming models will be compatible with wireless upgrades and maintenance, allowing them to increase their battery range.
Switching to electric vehicles has become a necessity for automakers as in several regions and countries such as Europe and China, there are strict regulations regarding automobiles’ carbon emissions. Some countries are even moving towards a complete ban on fossil fuel-powered automobiles.
Like Volvo, Ford is also planning on making all its Europe-bound models all-electric by the year 2030, and the same is the aim of Bentley and Tata Motors-owned Jaguar, which plans on going all-electric by 2030 as well. However, moving towards electric vehicles is no easy business, and thousands of people might lose their jobs as manufacturing electric vehicles is not as laborious.
According to Volvo’s CEO, Håkan Samuelsson, engine manufacturing plants and suppliers will be most affected by this transition towards the all-electric industry. However, he feels that the difference will not be significant. The company also revealed that globally it would keep providing its services to more than 2400 dealers working in the construction business.
The recent pandemic did put a halt to the global semiconductor chip business, but Volvo was majorly unaffected as it constantly kept in touch with its suppliers. Mr. Samuelsson added that “ So far, knock on wood, we have not had to stop any assembly line… but it could happen any day.”