Volvo to phase out diesel cars by early 2024 in favor of EVs

Updated Sep 21, 2023 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The brand aims to go all-electric by 2030.

Volvo Cars announced the plan to discontinue its diesel-powered cars by early 2024. This will be instrumental for the brand in realizing its electric vehicle (EV) goals moving forward.

Volvo XC40 Recharge front view

Volvo XC40 Recharge

The Swedish automaker said it will no longer spend on research and development (R&D) for new internal combustion engines. Ultimately, Volvo aims to become a fully EV brand by 2030 and later operate as a climate neutral company by 2040.

The first Volvo EV launched was the XC40 Recharge in 2020, which was followed by the C40 Recharge in March 2021. The brand’s EV portfolio continues to evolve with the EX90 and EX30, with the latter serving as its smallest offering in the electric car market.

Both the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge will be making their way to the Philippines on October 4, 2023. Based on WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standards, the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge will provide a range of 537 km and 549 km, respectively.

These EVs offer quieter and smoother operations compared to diesel powertrains. Moreover, they are zero-tailpipe emission cars, allowing Volvo to reduce its carbon footprint.

“Electric powertrains are our future, and superior to combustion engines: they generate less noise, less vibration, less servicing costs, for our customers and zero tailpipe emissions,” said Volvo Cars Chief Executive Officer Jim Rowan.

Volvo C40 Recharge front view

Volvo C40 Recharge

Volvo hopes that its initiative to discontinue diesel engines – despite being its bread and butter in Europe only four years ago – will encourage others to follow suit.

“It is high time for industry and political leaders to be strong and decisive, and deliver meaningful policies and actions to fight climate change. We’re committed to doing our part and encourage our peers as well as political leaders around the globe to do theirs,” added Rowan.

Volvo will be joined by brands such as Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, and Rolls-Royce in transitioning to an all-electric lineup by 2030.

Get the latest car news at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Volvo XC40 2024

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 is the smallest SUV in the Swedish brand’s roster that officially completes the XC lineup. It is their first-ever compact premium SUV breaking into the brand’s entry into the competitive segment among luxury brands. The model comes in a playful and progressive design that is elevated with premium trims, making it unique yet still embodying the brand’s signature aesthetic. Volvo has been known as a brand that prioritizes road safety, thus the XC40 is furnished with the City Safety package, a 360-degree camera, Cross-Traffic Alert, and Run Off Road protection. It is locally available in three variants which are the Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 Momentum AT, Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 R-Design AT, Volvo XC40 2.0 T5 AWD AT. Under the hood are either a 1.3L turbodiesel or a 2.0L turbocharged gasoline engine.

>>> New and used Volvo XC40 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Volvo XC40 Launch

Volvo Philippines first introduced the XC40 in September 2017. A couple of years later, they released a refreshed model in March of 2019 updated with the latest technologies and safety systems.

Volvo XC40 Exterior

The Volvo XC40 is a compact SUV that shows the brand’s playful and progressive aesthetic. Its boxy profile, clamshell hood, and unique rear window shape make it stand out among vehicles in its segment. What makes the premium SUV distinguishable is the two-tone color scheme in which the roof contrasts with the rest of the vehicle’s paint.

Despite the fun, sporty vibe of the XC40, it remains to follow the Swedish brand’s minimalist and elegant design philosophy. Narrow LED headlamps and T-shaped LED running lights accentuate the hexagonal mesh grille that houses the iconic Volvo emblem in chrome. Its sloping roofline comes with a roof rack and sunroof that add to the athletic guise of the SUV. Finishing the look are 18-inch alloy wheels.

Volvo XC40 angular front

Volvo XC40 side end

Volvo XC40 angular rear

Volvo XC40 Interior

Volvo’s signature design and layout extend to the interior which boasts generous space for up to five people and plenty of ingenious storage solutions. It features a design similar to the XC60 with the fully digital instrument cluster and the Swedish brand’s iconic trademark vertical touchscreen. It is complemented by a multifunctional steering wheel with controls for added convenience.

Seats are wrapped in premium leather with electric adjustability. On the rear is an expansive cargo space that can carry up to 460 liters with a clever folding floor providing much-needed flexible space.

Volvo XC40 steering wheel

Volvo XC40 gear selector

Technology & Safety Features

The Volvo XC40 offers the best possible safety standards combined with a user-friendly interface and connected services. Crowning the dashboard is a 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system that Volvo calls “Sensus”. It displays vehicle information and provides easy access to entertainment and safety features of the vehicle.

The SUV’s entertainment package includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration for smartphones, plus wireless charging of mobile devices. Audio comes out of a Harman Kardon Premium Sound system.

As expected from Volvo, the XC40 comes with a whole suite of safety features from the standard City Safety full auto brake systems and a 360° Camera to more advanced features such as the Cross-Traffic Alert with auto brake, and Run Off Road protection. The new system enables automatic passenger restraints as it detects that the vehicle leaving the roadway. Other usual protection technologies the XC40 is equipped with are an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, a Lane Departure Warning System, front and rear parking sensors, a push start button, and keyless entry.

Platform & Chassis

The 5-door, 5-seater compact luxury SUV is the first model Volvo built upon their Compact Modular Architecture platform. The suspension comes in the form of an Independent McPherson strut in front and an Independent multi-link at the rear. Stopping power comes from disc brakes all around.

Engine & Drivetrain

The Volvo XC40 comes in two engine options that produce 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The D3 variants are powered by a 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine while the T5 comes with a 2.0 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. Both are mated to an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. The D3 variants’ transmission sends power to the front wheels, while the T5's transfers power to all wheels.

Volvo XC40 2024 Price List

Let's check out the Volvo XC40 2024 price in September in the Philippines.

 Variants  Price
Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 Momentum AT ₱3,350,000
Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 R-Design AT ₱3,495,000
Volvo XC40 2.0 T5 AWD AT ₱3,895,000

Volvo XC40 FAQs

1. How many variants does the Volvo XC40 have?

Three variants. They are the Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 Momentum AT, Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 R-Design AT, and Volvo XC40 2.0 T5 AWD AT.

2. How much does the Volvo XC40 cost?

Depending on what variant it is, the price of the Volvo XC40 starts from ₱3,350,000 to ₱3,895,000.

3. Is the Volvo XC40 a luxury vehicle?

The Volvo XC40 is indeed a fantastic luxury subcompact SUV.

4. What does the Volvo XC stand for?

Volvo has used the name prefix/suffix "VOLVO XC" on a number of crossovers and SUVs. Cross Country is referred to as "XC," with the letter X standing for "Cross" and the letter C for "Country."

5. How long does the battery in a Volvo XC40 last?

Volvo XC40 batteries typically last between three and five years, but this might vary based on the battery type, environmental factors, the driver's behavior, and other factors.

 

₱ 3,350,000 - ₱ 5,595,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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