Volvo Cars has officially closed the chapter on diesel vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the company’s nearly century-long history. The last diesel cars, a V60 and an XC90, rolled off production lines in Ghent, Belgium, and Torslanda, Sweden, respectively, in early February.
This move signifies Volvo’s unwavering commitment to becoming a fully electric car manufacturer. The company aims to achieve this goal by 2030, alongside a broader ambition of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
A Fond Farewell to a Reliable Partner
Volvo acknowledges the significant role diesel engines played in its past. For decades, these engines were synonymous with efficiency and reliability, contributing heavily to Volvo’s evolution as a premium brand. In 2019, diesel sales dominated the European market, including the majority of Volvo’s European sales.
However, the tide has shifted dramatically. Stringent emissions regulations and a growing consumer demand for cleaner transportation, particularly in urban areas, have accelerated the electric revolution. This past year, Volvo saw a 70% increase in fully electric car sales and a 34% global electric market share increase, solidifying the company’s belief in the electric future.
While Volvo goes fully electric, its commitment to providing a smooth transition is evident. Existing plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid models will continue to be offered, acting as a bridge to the all-electric future.
A Look Back: Volvo’s Diesel Journey
Volvo’s diesel story began in 1979 with the introduction of the 244 GL D6, the world’s first six-cylinder diesel engine for passenger cars. This powerful and efficient engine catered to taxi drivers and long-distance travelers, marking the start of Volvo’s foray into the diesel market.
The year 2001 saw Volvo’s first self-built diesel engine, a five-cylinder powerhouse manufactured in Skövde, Sweden. This engine became a huge success, powering numerous Volvo models across Europe and even finding a place on the racetrack in the S60 Challenge. Its versatility extended to the marine world with a special adaptation by Volvo Penta.
The Drive-E lineup launched in 2008 marked another significant milestone. These small, highly efficient 1.6-liter diesel engines offered impressive fuel economy and low emissions, earning them the classification of “green engines” in Sweden. Their adaptability across various Volvo models and the perfect balance between performance and efficiency solidified their place in diesel technology advancement.
Volvo further pushed boundaries in 2012 with the launch of the V60 D6 plug-in hybrid. This engineering marvel was the world’s first plug-in hybrid equipped with a diesel engine. It offered drivers unparalleled versatility – functioning as an electric car, a hybrid, and a powerful muscle car, all in one.
The final chapter in Volvo’s diesel story unfolded in 2013 with the launch of the Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) family. This self-built engine family boasted revolutionary features like higher injection pressure and i-ART technology, resulting in improved fuel economy, lower emissions, and impressive power output. It became a mainstay in various models, powering the very last diesel-powered V60 and XC90.
Volvo’s complete shift away from combustion engines was further solidified in 2023 with the sale of its stake in Aurobay, a joint venture with Geely Holding focused on combustion engine development.
This is a new era for Volvo Cars. As the company embraces its electric future, such as the EX30, it leaves behind a legacy of innovation and progress, built upon a foundation of reliable and efficient diesel technology.
