Volvo commits to electric vehicle rollout in Australia

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XC 40 Recharge Pure Electric to join Volvo’s Australian range in 2021

Swedish car maker Volvo is unwavering in its commitment to electrification, and on the back of attaining the highest sustainability accreditation level from Ecovadis the company has committed to bringing its electric vehicle range to Australia despite a political climate that is, shall we say, hostile towards the decarbonisation of transport.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. Images: Volvo Cars

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. Images: Volvo Cars

Volvo Cars Australia (VCA) managing director Stephen Connor said that every model Volvo releases from 2022 will either be pure electric or will have a pure-electric variant and the brand has a pledge to be completely electric by 2030. In an interview with Go Auto, he stated that he doesn’t want Volvo to be successful based on government subsidies; rather that “we forge our way by being a leader rather than waiting for things to happen.”

Connor went on to say “if Australia wanted to be seen as a true global player and one committed to environmental care then more has to be done.” “Just consider the three-point safety belt as an example. If we waited for all authorities and governments to agree on a way forward how many more lives could have been lost in the meantime.”

Volvo’s all-electric XC40

Volvo’s all-electric XC40

Volvo will be bringing its XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, based on Geely’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) to Australia within the next few months to complement the plug-in hybrid model already on sale. The EV variant packs a 72.5kWh battery, with a 400 kilometre WLTP-rated range. With 300kW (407 PS) and 660Nm (486 lb-ft) torque, its likely to be one of the quickest Volvos available in Australia.

Pricing has not been confirmed, but we would expect Tesla’s $70-80,000 Model 3 to be Volvo’s main price point target.

Battery assembly in Volvo’s Ghent plant.

Battery assembly in Volvo’s Ghent plant.

Volvo’s electric compact modular architecture platform

Volvo’s electric compact modular architecture platform

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