Although electric vehicle sales are currently sluggish, Volvo is determined – the future is petrol-free. By 2035, all new vehicles are expected to be electric. Or is it?
When Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo, says that the future is electric and that there is “no turning back,” it doesn’t mean that he has already sold his last petrol lawnmower. But if you ask him – the internal combustion engine is already up to its elbows in the grave.
But first, let's go back a little. The Swedes boldly announced in 2019 that they would switch to full electric vehicles by 2030. But it turned out that the market wasn't exactly going in that direction. So this year's announcements are a bit more... diplomatic. They now aim for between 90 and 100 percent of all their sales to be electrified vehicles – that is, electric cars and plug-in hybrids – by the end of the decade. Yes, compromises are the new reality.
Electric cars – a future that is late?
Volvo ended diesels a year and a half ago, and now it's announcing the death of petrol engines. Samuelsson tells Bloomberg (if you have a subscription, of course):
"The industry will be electric – there's no going back. It may be slower in some regions, but the direction is clear."
According to him, all new cars will be electric within a decade. and cheaper. Ambitious? Undoubtedly. Realistic? Hm…
Let's look at the facts: In the first eight months of this year, Volvo sold 90,326 fully electric vehicles – 24 fewer than last year. Plug-in hybrids? Also down, by one percent. Total sales? Down 10. If the electric future were a party, no one would be coming right now.
Samuelsson remains optimistic. And stubborn.
Despite the poor numbers, Samuelsson believes in a turnaround. According to him, the solution lies in new plug-in hybrids, which he describes as “electric cars with a spare engine.” Whether he means longer-range models like the new XC70 or vehicles with fossil-fuel generators is not entirely clear. He may be a little confused himself – but the vision has not escaped him.
Who will survive – and who (electrically) won't?
Volvo's electric stubbornness could be a big problem for the more sleepy auto giants. Samuelsson predicts a serious upheaval in the industry:
"Some companies will adapt and survive, others won't."
By 2035, he sees two or three very strong Chinese brands at the top, while some European giants will be “putting up their papers.”
And indeed – some people don't see the future so rosy. BMW, for example, doesn't want to just say goodbye to the internal combustion engine, and Mercedes even warns that a ban on the sale of ICE vehicles in the EU would mean "collapse of industry." Audi and Porsche are also holding back, believing that a full transition to EVs would be too fast – and presumptuous.
Meanwhile, Polestar… is firing bursts.
Volvo's sister brand Polestar took the opportunity to do a bit of PR showmanship at the IAA Mobility trade fair in Munich this year. They displayed statements from rival brands that have now abandoned their own electric promises. A direct blow to the egos of the competition. Both Volvo and Polestar want the EU to stand firm on its plan to ban the sale of internal combustion vehicles after 2035. Meanwhile, many brands are lobbying for "softer" legislation. What will prevail - political compromise or electric idealism?
On Friday, representatives of the automotive industry are expected to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Mercedes boss Ola Källenius will also be there, and he will reiterate that the ban is "simply unfeasible."
What about us, the drivers?
For the average driver, the electric future is still a mix of excitement, worry, and, let's be honest, finding a plug. Charging infrastructure in Europe (and Slovenia) is still a mess, EV prices are unaffordable for most, and batteries aren't exactly immortal yet.
But someone has to believe in change – and even though Volvo's numbers are currently in the red, the Swedes at least dare to dream. In an era when many automotive giants are shunning electric cars like a cat in the wind, Volvo is the one optimist in the room who claims:
"No problem. Just be patient a little longer – in 10 years everything will be better. And quieter."
What do you think? Is the electric future the solution or an (expensive) illusion? There's room for your opinions in the comments below - no cables, no filters.
