Volvo Cars announced that it will switch its entire product range to battery power by 2030 and retire vehicles with internal combustion engines faster than other automakers such as General Motors.
Sweden-based Volvo and owned by Geely Holding of China has prevailed over larger competitors in switching to electric power. In 2019, all models sold were either hybrids or run on batteries only.
By 2030, Volvo said in a statement on Tuesday, it will “phase out every car in its global portfolio with an internal combustion engine, including hybrids.”
While hybrids are more fuel efficient than traditional vehicles, they may not be much better for urban climate or air quality if drivers don’t use the electrical capabilities.
GM’s promise to sell only zero-emission vehicles, which it made in January, won’t take effect until 2035.
Volvo admitted to responding in part to pressure from governments, many of which have announced internal combustion engine bans in the coming years.
The company said its decision was based on the expectation that legislation and rapid expansion of accessible high-quality charging infrastructure will accelerate consumer adoption of all-electric cars.
In another break with industrial practice, Volvo’s electric models are sold exclusively online, bypassing dealerships.
“Instead of investing in a shrinking business, we are investing in the future – electric and online,” said Hakan Samuelsson, Volvo’s general manager, in a statement.
