Volvo backtracks on electric-only plan, XC90 renewed
Volvo Cars has backtracked on its plans to become an electric-only brand by 2030, amid cooling demand for electric vehicles (EVs).
However, the Swedish carmaker is still showing a high degree of commitment to the battery car market, stating that it expects electric and plug-in hybrid models to account for between 90% and 100% of its global sales by the start of the new decade.
The remaining 10%, it said, could be allocated to mild hybrid petrol-powered vehicles if needed.
It expects electrified products to account for between 50% and 60% of overall volume by 2025.
“While Volvo Cars will retain its position as an industry leader in electrification, it has now decided to adjust its electrification ambitions due to changing market conditions and customer demands,” the company said in a statement.
Volvo Cars said that full electrification was still a key pillar of its product strategy, and that it aims to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Volvo currently has five fully electric cars on the market, with a further five EVs under development.
ICE-powered XC90 gets a refresh
However while the all-electric EX90 flagship SUV was widely expected to replace the petrol-powered XC90, Volvo has now announced a facelifted version of the latter without any indication of when the ICE model will be discontinued.
It will run alongside the EX90, which is now being introduced to international markets following delays caused by software issues.
The new XC90 sports the most comprehensive facelift given to the large SUV since the introduction of the second generation model in 2015.
On the outside it receives a brand new front bumper and grille design, with the latter featuring an asymmetrical pattern. It is intersected by revised headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” elements.
But the biggest changes occur inside, where a larger 11.2 inch and higher-resolution central touchscreen mimics the brand’s latest user experience seen in the EX30 and EX90.
Volvo says it now takes fewer taps on the home screen to access the features that customers use most often.
There’s also a camera icon that appears when driving at low speeds, allowing drivers to quickly access the outside cameras when manoeuvring in tight spaces.
The Google-powered infotainment system can be updated over the air.
Volvo has also made improvements to the design of the dashboard and cabin, which now uses more recycled materials and features additional storage spaces.
Furthermore, changes have been made to the suspension system to enhance comfort, and air suspension remains optional.
In terms of powertrain, Volvo offers two mild hybrid turbopetrol variants as well as the T8 plug-in hybrid that is said to offer more than 70km of all-electric range on the WLTP cycle.
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