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Volvo is just the latest to move to electric technology with the release of the Electric Volvo XC40.
Every day we move closer to the popularity of electric cars, with prices falling and more manufacturers making the shift in focus. The latest of the global car manufacturers is Volvo which is now shifting its production towards mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric cars such as the electric Volvo XC40 and XC90.
As part of the bold transformation from combustion engines to EVs, Volvo is taking the lead. As the first major premium car brand to make such a bold promise, the Swedish car manufacturer is planning to convert all of its new models, such as the Volvo xc90, to a hybrid or full-electric powertrain.
But what does that mean for those currently driving the older, less ecological Volvo models? Well, as well as a whole range of Volvo lease deals on the market, there are a collection of incentives to make the switch to electric (or hybrid).
Let’s take a look at what Volvo is doing to lead the charge in the electrification battle and what electric cars are worth upgrading to.
Volvo’s Hybrid and Electric Future
The first step in Volvo’s shifting focus towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly vehicles revolves around the XC40 Diesel. The SUV, which has been on sale since September 2017, has been pulled from sale as of August 2020.
The Volvo XC40 Diesel was available with two different diesel engines; the first was a 148bhp D3 and the second was the 188bhp D4.
Within the UK, sales of the Volvo XC40, in general, were made up of both the Diesel and Petrol variants, but the Diesel variants accounted for around 36.5% of the UK sales in 2019. However, in 2020, Volvo has estimated that this dropped down to just 19%.
That clearly shows a shift in the industry and consumers, so Volvo has been forced to do the same.
Now that the XC40 diesel has been pulled, the range is now almost entirely electrified, with only the entry-level T3 not benefitting from the mild-hybrid technology. For those drivers who are unsure about switching to an EV, the electric Volvo XC40 is a great alternative to your old-fashion petrol or diesel engine. Visually, it isn’t an EV that shouts about its battery power as its design is very similar to the petrol and diesel XC40.
The First Step Towards Electric
In regards to the removal of the XC40 from sale and distribution, a Volvo UK spokesperson has said that the decision “is part of Volvo Cars’ ambitious global electrification strategy, which includes our well-established commitment to the phasing out of diesel in the long term. It also reflects the strong shift in customer demand towards petrol and electrified models.”
With the Diesel variant no longer for sale, this means that the XC40’s choice of the powertrain is almost completely electrified. Only the base, entry-level T3 does not utilise the hybrid engine technology found in the more powerful petrol variants. The transition that the Swedish firm is planning is bold yet impactful. They plan to become a fully electric car maker and seek to consistently reduce the life cycle carbon footprint per car through concrete action.
Some of the most popular electric and hybrid Volvo vehicles are the electric Volvo XC40, Volvo S60 and S90, the XC60 and the Volvo XC90. cars2buy has a vast range of Volvo lease deals and many Volvo XC90 lease deals and electric XC40 can be found among them.
Compare Volvo XC40 Lease Deals
The First Step Towards Electric
As it stands, Volvo is still selling other diesel-mode vehicles with only the XC40 halting sales and distribution. However, these variants all feature a hybrid engine in one form or another, denoted by the fact that they dropped the D badge in favour of a B.
This is just another clear example of how the industry is shifting towards electric vehicles. Therefore, it could very well be the perfect time to replace your current vehicle with an electric one. As mentioned earlier, prices are decreasing and many electric vehicles are now available on car lease deals, such as those listed here.
So, if you have been questioning whether you should make the shift in gears and get an electric vehicle, perhaps it is time to seriously consider it.
