Volvo has a vision of completely switching to electric vehicles by 2030. With the launch of the Volvo XC40, Volvo introduced its first fully Electric Vehicle (EV). Before Volvo’s first EV, Volvo had already entirely switched towards hybrid technology. This is due to Volvo’s commitment towards cutting global carbon emissions.
Volvo’s Electric Vehicles
With the introduction of the Volvo XC40 in 2019, Volvo stepped into the electric vehicle market. These cars offer pure electric power with zero carbon emission.
The Volvo XC40 offers a 402-horsepower engine that can go 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. It can run a range of 418 km at a full 100% battery. It can also be recharged 80% just in 40 minutes.
Volvo’s performance brand, Polestar, also has introduced its own EV in 2020, the Polestar 2, which is a 5-door liftback. It has a big 78-kWh battery which can run an estimated 265 miles with 100% battery. The car comes in two variants, single motor and dual motor. The single motor variant gives an output of 231 hp, while the dual motor variant gives an outcome of 208 hp.
Another addition to Volvo’s line-up will be made in 2022. The Volvo C40 is all set to launch next year. The car has a range of 420 km with 100% battery and it will include all of Volvo’s premium quality safety features.
Volvo’s EV Technology
Volvo uses 78-kWh lithium-ion battery in XC40 Recharge. The car is made on Compact Modular Architecture (CMA). CMA is often used to hold an XC40 internal combustion engine. However, it has been modified to pack lithium-ion batteries.
This results in a heftier car built than on a bespoke battery electric (BEV) platform. This is because Volvo claims that they had to build this car in just 2 years as they just announced it in 2017.
Volvo’s future plans
In 2017, Volvo announced that they were only going to make electric and hybrid motor cars. This was very significant as they stopped making any solely fossil-fuel-based engines and led them to the production of their first EV.
Next year, their electric lineup will move up to two choices with the unveiling of the Volvo C40. And according to their ambitions, 50% of the cars they sell will to be fully electric by 2025. By 2030, they plan to even stop making hybrids. This will eventually lead them to only sell electric cars by 2030.
What are electric cars?
Electric cars are run by storing electrical energy in batteries. These batteries are then used to run the electric motor. Electric cars using batteries are often quieter and they have no fuel-burning process in them. This results in no carbon emissions through the car’s exhaust.
There are three types of electric cars and Volvo has versions of all three:
- Fully electric cars
- Plug-in hybrid cars
- Hybrid cars
Do electric cars cost more than gas cars?
Typically, electric cars are more expensive than gas-based cars. However, recent research by Consumer Reports claims otherwise. According to them, when comparing the total cost of maintenance and gasoline charges, EVs are actually cheaper in the longer run. If we just look into gas savings, you can save up to $4,700 in the first seven years.
The operating costs differ depending on the vehicle. The purchase price is also an important thing to consider. For example, a Chevrolet Bolt is $8,000 more expensive than Hyundai Elantra GT. However, the operating cost of Bolt is $15,000 less. This means you can save up to $7,000 over a 200,000-mile lifetime.
Typical electric range
The range of an electric car varies depending on the model. Lucid Motors recently claimed that their Lucid Air Grand Touring would have the longest estimated range of 517 miles on a single charge.
However, the available longest-range car available now is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. This covers an estimated range of 353 miles. Other low-budget cars offer an estimated range of minimum of 150+ miles. These budget cars are just for city travel due to their lower range.
FAQ
Are electric cars safe?
Some people have concerns over the short-circuiting of the batteries. In EVs, Lithium-ion batteries are used which can be short-circuited if the battery is damaged. Nevertheless, the chances of this are pretty slim. They are comparatively safer than gasoline-based engines.
Another issue regarding electric cars is the range. People fear that their car could drain its battery on their way, and they would feel stranded. For that reason, even the cheapest electric car, the Nissan Leaf, has a battery range of around 150 miles, which is plenty adequate for city use.
Why is electric power important?
Global warming is one of the biggest issues in the world right now. The transportation sector alone counts for 29 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions. This not only includes vehicles, but also the extraction, production, and delivery processes. Decreasing transportation emissions is an important task going towards a green future. Electric vehicles give the opportunity of minimizing carbon emissions and limiting these gases.
What is the best electric car?
While there are many options for EVs, some are better than others. In the sedan segment, the Tesla S is the typical favorite if you can afford it. However, if you want to go for SUV, then Hyundai Ioniq 5 is pretty good. Normally, though, the “best” car for you is determined by your needs and budget.
Are electric cars the future?
According to the UBS, by 2025, 20% of all the cars sold globally will be electric. And that will grow up to 40% in 2030. Eventually, by 2040, every new car sold will be electric. With every car brand making their leaps in the electric segment, the older fossil fuel-based cars will become obsolete at some point.
Also, with ever-increasing emissions regulations, companies are more and more attracted to EVs. This surely makes EVs the future of the transportation industry.
Will electric cars ever get cheaper?
According to research, electric cars will be cheaper than fossil fuel-based cars by 2027. With the ever-increasing emissions regulations everywhere, electric cars will eventually become cheaper. We have already seen a fall in battery prices. Combined with dedicated production lines, electric cars will surely be more affordable soon.