Volvo has officially produced its final car with a diesel engine, representing a significant step in the Swedish company’s transition towards electric-only sales.
The last diesel vehicle, an XC90 SUV, rolled off the production line in Torslanda, Sweden, and is en route to a Volvo museum in Gothenburg, Sweden, where the company is headquartered.
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Volvo bids adieu to diesel
Volvo is on track to transition to electric-only sales by 2030. Keep an eye out for two new electric models hitting the U.S. market this year: the EX30 compact SUV and the larger EX90.
Despite recent shifts in some automakers’ electric strategies due to slowing EV demand, Volvo’s move underscores the industry’s inevitable shift towards zero-emission vehicles driven by stricter environmental standards and increasing consumer interest in EVs.
While diesel cars gained popularity in Europe for their lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline-powered cars, diesel sales have declined as EVs gain momentum.
In 2019, a majority of Volvo’s European sales comprised diesel vehicles, but today, hybrid and fully electric cars dominate the market. The company witnessed a 70% surge in EV sales last year and aims to become a purely electric car manufacturer by 2030 while achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
These initiatives are translating into tangible products in the U.S., with the introduction of two exciting new EVs this year. The EX30, a compact SUV priced around $35,000, offers a more affordable electric option, while the EX90 serves as an electric version of Volvo’s popular XC90 midsize SUV.
Similarly, Dodge has shifted its focus away from V8 engines in favor of electric cars and more fuel-efficient six-cylinder engines.
Contact the author: tim.levin@insideevs.com