When the Volvo S60 arrives later this spring it will not offer a diesel powertain, a move the automaker says is part of their commitment to a “long-term future beyond the traditional combustion engine.” Volvo is one of the industry’s strongest proponents for electrification and will drop diesel powertrains in favor of EV technology.
“Our future is electric and we will no longer develop a new generation of diesel engines,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars.
Electrification Strategy
All new Volvo models launched from 2019 will be available as either a mild petrol hybrid, plug-in petrol hybrid or battery electric vehicle. Earlier this year, the automaker reinforced its electrification strategy, stating their desire to have electric cars make up 50 percent of their global sales by 2025.
“The new S60 represents the next step in that commitment,” Samuelsson added. “We will phase out cars with only an internal combustion engine, with petrol hybrid versions as a transitional option as we move towards full electrification.”
Availability & Manufacturing
The new S60, based on Volvo’s in-house Scalable Product Architecture, will first be available with a range of four-cylinder Drive-E petrol engines, along with two petrol plug-in hybrid versions. Mild hybrid versions will follow next year. Production will begin this fall at Volvo’s new manufacturing facility outside Charleston, South Carolina.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.
