Unsurprisingly, electric cars->ke3234 aren't exactly selling like hotcakes in most markets, which is why Volvo->ke188 has decided to postpone its all-electric model rollout, despite having the capabilities from a technology standpoint. At least this is what vice president of product strategy, Lex Kerssemakers, has recently told the folks from Autocar. Considering that the Swedish carmaker has already successfully launched two plug-in hybrid versions in the form of the Euro-only V60 and the second-generation XC90->ke3145, it seems that its short- and medium-term plan will consist of other similar models.
"Our focus is the rollout of our plug-in hybrids,” he said. “Once there is a more sustainable business case behind full EV we can do it - our platform is scalable and fully flexible. But we must see how the EV business evolves and what pressures there are from fuel efficiency requirements and cities closing borders. With plug-in technology we have some answers now - good efficiency and the option of driving in and out of cities on electric power alone. For now, we can offer the best of both worlds." said Kerssemakers.
Because most car markets and global legislation are rather slow to adapt to the inclusion of full-electric vehicles, it seems that Volvo doesn't want to jump head-first like other traditional carmakers – I'm looking at you, Renault->ke72! - and spend a lot of money in launching cars that need government incentives in order to sell well. With that in mind, if the Swedish carmaker keeps rolling out efficient plug-in hybrids,->ke147 it can only mean good things in the interim.
Click past the jump to read more about Volvo's hybrid plan.
Why it matters
With the V60 Plug-in hybrid already on sale on most European markets and the upcoming XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid on the way to steal quite a hefty amount of sales from its German rivals, Volvo has certainly started well in the hybridization game. Since plug-in hybrids offer zero emissions when running around town, have a similar if not longer driving range than a regular car, and also offer the added performance of instant torque, what exactly is not to love about them?
Sure, the all-electric range is low and after the battery depletes you're still polluting the atmosphere, but that is not enough to make it less marketable than a full-electric car, at least until all carmakers go the Tesla Supercharger way and make customers trust electrics more. With that being said, despite being a rather small car manufacturer, Volvo is currently investing in just the right technologies, and the near future is seems comprised of more efficient plug-in hybrids.