Diesel is dead, declares Volvo
Volvo has announced the death of its diesel cars, with the last example set to leave the production line in early 2024.
What’s more, as the Swedish firm transitions to an all-electric line-up, Volvo says, “We’re no longer spending a single krona of our R&D budget on developing new internal combustion engines.”
“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,” explains Jim Rowan, Chief Executive at Volvo Cars. “We’re fully focused on creating a broad portfolio of premium, fully electric cars that deliver on everything our customers expect from a Volvo—and are a key part of our response to climate change.”
Volvo says that by 2030 it will only sell electric vehicles and is targeting 2040 to be completely climate-neutral, even though it has until 2035 to go all-in on EVs after the U.K. rolled back its commitment to 2030 to align with the European Union. “What the world needs now, at this critical time for our planet and humanity, is leadership,” adds Rowan. “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.”
Volvo’s change in direction has been remarkably rapid. As recently as 2019 the majority of the company’s cars sold in Europe were powered by diesel, while its latest figures show hybrid and fully-electric have taken the lead.
“Zero tailpipe emissions” is a funny phrase the more I think about it. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
It’s really only funny because there won’t be any tailpipes.
You worried?
What’s there to worry about?
It’s a euphemism for “ignore the emissions at the electrical generation plant.”
Ok, when they don’t sell what’s plan B?
“If you have a fallback plan, you WILL fall back.” – attributed to Jewel
I can’t speak for Europe, but there was a time when Diesel made sense in cars, but that has long passed. When I started driving, gas was around a dollar a gallon and Diesel was 75 cents. That relationship stayed fairly consistent until Diesel jumped ahead of gas and has pretty well stayed there since. Even if the difference in fuel cost was made up for in efficiency (which I seriously doubt is the case with the advent of strict Diesel emission guidelines), Diesel maintenance is very expensive when they break, and they do break. My neighbor has a Duramax in one of his trucks. In one year, it would not pass smoke and needed new injectors… 5 grand. The following year, the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced… 5 grand. I reminded him that he could have probably done two gasoline engine replacements for around the same cost. Hauling 80 thousand pounds to California and back, Diesel is the way to go. Passenger cars and light trucks, no way
You might want to start reading Libertarian Car Guy (Eric Peters). It’s because of the “guidelines” that otherwise clean diesel engines were regulated out of production. And CAFE “guidelines” that push alternatives (like the push to all those turbo 4s instead of V6s) out of the market. Faceless bureaucrats making regulations based on policy to effectuate the change leadership wants. I prefer to make purchase decisions based on my decision and my choice.
So you’re telling me… a car company owned by the totalitarian country that had a near-monopoly on the production of hazardous materials used in EVs… is abandoning tried and true diesel engines… to push EVs? Huh…
Operative word being “had”. The source material for the current crop of batteries ain’t in “Gyna”. Try going up a size with your foil hat.
Owner of Nevada lithium mine: Ganfeng Lithium Co Ltd.
Who is “Gyna”?
Yes. And China is permitting an average of two, coal-fired power plants a week, according to a March 2, 2023 story from NPR. The power from these plants is needed to build more solar panels, more windmills, and to refine more exotic materials (including those mined in the US).
A new Duramax engine is still cheaper than a new EV battery!
Unlikely. Battery life is 300,000+ miles with typical range degradation at 200k miles of 20%.
If a module fails, which can happen, the pack can be repaired. About $1500-2500 per module for a Model S?
“What the world needs now, at this critical time for our planet and humanity, is leadership,” adds Rowan.
What he really means is, we are going to shove this crap down your throat and you better accept it!!!!
Who’s forcing you to buy a Volvo?
I have a 30 ft travel trailer and like to go on long trips. Just got back from Colorado after 10 weeks away from the Texas heat. I tow with a 3.0L, Duramax diesel 1500 Silverado. I’ve gotten over 30 mpg (not towing the trailer) and 13-14 mpg towing. With my 6.0L gas 2500 Silverado I’d get about 15 mpg (not towing the trailer) and 8-9 mpg towing the trailer, but the baby Duramax tows better than the gas truck did. With an EV pickup I’d probably only get 100 miles before needing to recharge which translates to 9-10 recharge events between my home and the Colorado cottage … and that’s if I could locate charging stations along the route to CO. Even if I could find reliable charging stations, that would add an extra day to my trip. EVs may be the future for everyday commuter vehicles, but (unless there are serious advancements in battery technology) I can’t forsee a sensible alternative to diesels for those of us that need a vehicle that will tow/haul.
Thanks for your perspective. I would suggest that you are part of a VERY small fraction of the driving populace, and that your experience just plain doesn’t work for the vast majority of folks out there. I’m glad that you enjoyed your 10 week road trip. I’d sooner put a bullet in my head. FWIW.
Really?
https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-18-wheeler-semi
How about “Volvo is dead declares me.”
Who can afford an EV?? I can’t!!!
Diesel cars are an abomination.
My neighbor tows his camper with his ICE (gas) Chevy pickup, his wife tows their boat with her ICE 4Runner. My other neighbor doesn’t tow his boat with even his ICE Volvo. He uses his Tundra for that. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Volvo (besides a semi tractor – a diesel for sure) towing anything. So I guess Volvo isn’t missing out on much.
I sold my two beloved diesels to buy an EV. Glad I did. The EV is vastly superior in every way. I’m never going back to ICE again. You all better get your EVs now before demand ramps up and your ICE car becomes worthless.
Clearly, you are joking. ICE cars will not become worthless in the foreseeable future – obvious, if one opens their eyes to the realities of life for the average person.
It’s going to be fun watching this EV climate change crap fall flat on it’s face. Just like “safe and effective.” And brought to you by the same crowd.
Chrysler EVs platforms are made to do both electric and ICE and even have a transmission tunnel. When there EV sales fall flat the change to ICE is right there,
All who think electric vehicles the way of the future are more shortsighted than the ice dinosaurs they make fun of. Current technology ev is good for a short (ish) commuter for those who can delude themselves into ignoring the myriad of problems presented in using them as a ‘regular’ car. Volvo is still one of the larger class 8 truck engine manufacturers too…