Volvo has decided to make some big moves when it comes to their lineup. While every company is working to introduce more hybrid and electric models, Volvo has put their foot down. They intend to be the first traditional automaker to remove all traditional gas and diesel engines from their lineup. It’s a big step for an automakers to go that far. While every company is developing hybrids and fully electric vehicles, some are really committing while some are just paying lip service.
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Volvo has already taken some great steps towards alternative powertrains. Their relatively small lineup of cars means they have less engines to develop. Right now they do offer a plug in hybrid version of every vehicle. They have worked hard to develop it as an option for their vehicles.
It’s important to note that plug in hybrids are more electric car than they are hybrid. Traditional hybrids use an electric motor to assist a gasoline powered engine in low power situations. Plug in hybrids reverse that. Plug in hybrids use the electric engine for almost everything. The gasoline engine comes on to charge the electric motor and for intense acceleration. This greatly extends the range the vehicle can do on an electric motor. It also allows for the gasoline engine to constantly be refilled, so it can continue to charge the electric motor. That’s very useful on long trips where stopping for a long charge stop may be inconvenient and ruin your road trip flow.
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Volvo is also going to be taking a step with their new 48 volt hybrids. Traditional 12 volt car batteries have been useful for a long time. However it’s time for an upgrade. The 48 volt system is going to work in tandem with the traditional 12 volt battery now in cars. The idea behind the 48 volt system is that it will be used to help power the litany of electric devices that are included within your vehicle now like power steering, your heads up displays, driver assists, etc… The 48 volt hybrid is coming and coming soon.
This decision by Volvo helps mirror a decision by the French government. While Volvo is looking to get their lineup sorted by 2019 and their last gasoline powered car finished by 2025, France is stating they will ban sales of diesel and gasoline vehicles in the year 2040. Instead people will receive large tax benefits to remove diesel automobiles and older gas cars.
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France’s decision is unhappy news to some, but French made automobiles have been ready for this kind of announcement and have been working hard to ensure that they are going to have vehicles available. Their goal is to actually increase their market share in their own country by having good alternative energy vehicles ready to go to market and take advantage of the tax benefits. This doesn’t mean the PSA group (Peugeot, Citroen, etc…) are going to give up on gasoline vehicles. It just means they are going to have their alternatives prepared.
