Volvo scored a massive PR coup last year when it beat the rest of the car industry in announcing its electrification plans. It was a great way of establishing itself as a future electric vehicle leader to the public.
Volvo’s key advantage over many rivals is its simple platform set-up: both its CMA small car and SPA large car architectures accommodate electric vehicles from the off.
First electric Volvo to be an all-new hatchback in 2019
So while other car manufacturers are busy developing all-new electric platforms or scrambling to re-engineer existing platforms, Volvo’s execution of launching an entire range of electric vehicles could be more effective for that reason.
But with the production version of the 40.2 only due in 2019, its first electric model risks being lost in the melee of rival zero-emission cars, all of which are heading our way around the same time. If Volvo doesn’t move quickly, it’ll lose out on the advantages it has gained so far.
Should it not manage to do that, its one saving grace might be the styling: in a sea of electric generic hatchbacks and SUVs, a jacked-up saloon-cum-hatchback will at least stand out on the roads.
Read more:
Volvo XC40 review
Volvo S90 review
Volvo XC60 review
Join the debate
Add your comment
It sounds like Burgess is
I agree with Peter C. 'Comes with more tech' is exactly what I don't want to hear about a car.
How about 'has revolutionary suspension geometry' or 'focus has been placed on a better ride'? Both phases nearly inconceivable in Autocar these days.
Everything Volvo sells that
If they are good enough they
If they are good enough they will sell, if they are reasonable products but overpriced they will find a niche like now, if they are not good enough they won't be around any more. Timing won't matter.