The current XC90 is in its second generation.
GOTHENBURG: Volvo Cars boss Håkan Samuelsson has signalled that the next generation of the XC90 could be the last one to have a conventional internal combustion engine.
The third-generation XC90, set to arrive by 2022, would be offered with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, and is likely to spell the end of the petrol engine in the XC90. After that, it would be offered in battery electric form.
"With the new-generation XC90, you will get all of the new electronics, all of the safety devices, but if you live somewhere [without charging infrastructure] there will be a hybrid version," Samuelsson told US publication Car and Driver.
"After that, let's see. We'll probably (have) more and more electric cars. It depends really on how fast customers will want to move, and how quickly electric infrastructure will be built up."
Volvo has long declared that half of its global sales volume will consist of fully electric cars by 2025, with the rest comprising hybrids.
Since the acquisition by Geely 10 years ago, Volvo has completely renewed its product portfolio of SUVs, estates and sedans, and became the first traditional carmaker to commit to all-out electrification, supported by the introduction of its Recharge range. The range offers a PHEV option on all of Volvo car models.
The Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, introduced in 2017, is the foundation for the new XC40 Recharge; the first of Volvo’s fully-electric Recharge range. Deliveries of the XC40 Recharge will start this fall.
“Volvo Cars today is stronger than it has ever been,” said Samuelsson, “and we still have much to do. We are excited to see our fully electric vehicle range reach the market, led by the XC40 Recharge, and we will keep this momentum going by investing in electrification, new technologies, and future mobility solutions.”
