Volvo Produces Final Diesel Model
The last diesel-powered model, a V60, rolled off the production line in February at the Ghent plant in Belgium.
- Volvo announced plans to produce their last diesel car at Climate Week NYC in September 2023.
- In February, the final diesel model came off the production line at the plant in Ghent, Belgium, a Volvo V60.
- After 97 years of history producing petrol and diesel cars, the brand now turns towards a fully electric future. With an aim to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
It’s the end of an era for Volvo, as the Swedish manufacturer has produced its final diesel-powered car.
The milestone comes after Volvo announced plans to end production of their diesel engines last year, at Climate Week NYC.
It’s part of a wider goal to help the brand reach fully electric status and achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Read on for a look back at Volvo’s diesel evolution and meet the electric Volvo range.
A dedication to diesel
In 1979, Volvo produced its first-ever diesel car in response to growing demand in Europe – the Volvo 244 GL D6. The car featured a powerful, efficient six-cylinder diesel engine that was the first of its kind.
Heading into the 2000s, demand for diesel engines continued to grow. Then came the Volvo V70, featuring the brand’s first self-built diesel engine. A five-cylinder made at the Volvo powertrain plant in Sweden.
It would become so successful that it would power future Volvo cars across Europe and would receive several versions. One was even used on the racetrack in an S60 Challenge, while a marine version was also created at Volvo Penta.
In 2008, the Drive-E lineup was launched, a collection of efficient 1.6-litre diesel engines. These offered up to 1,300km on one tank and seriously reduced CO2 emissions. So much so that they were classed as ‘green engines’ in Sweden.
Working well across models, they provided the perfect balance of efficiency and performance. Marking a huge milestone in diesel engine development.
Moving into 2012, the Volvo V60 D6 plug-in hybrid was launched, which was the world’s first PHEV featuring a diesel engine. It offered a selection of different driving modes, traveling up to 50km on pure electric power. Plus a total range of 1,000km and 0-100km/hr acceleration in just 6.2 seconds.
A year later, Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) was introduced, bringing a self-built diesel engine family. This incorporated unique technology producing the most advanced diesel-powered engines seen yet.
They offered customers better fuel economy along with reduced emissions and more power. They continued to power the Volvo range for a whole decade, including the last diesel model produced this year.
Moving towards an electric future
Volvo has always sought to address the needs of its customers. The same remains true today with the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs).
The brand now offers a range of electric and hybrid models, ranging from estates to SUVs. The electric range comprises the Volvo C40, EX90, and XC40.
Meanwhile, the hybrid range offers plenty of choice for those not ready to go fully electric. Customers can choose from the Volvo V60, V90, S60, S90, XC40, XC60, and XC90.
Across the electrified range, you can expect signature Scandinavian style and luxurious design. Many models feature renewable and recycled materials in the cabin for sustainability. Outside, electrified models stand out with colour-coordinated shields and aerodynamic wheels.
Charging is also made easy with handy reminders when the battery depletes to 20% for fully electric models. When visiting your local charging station, the battery will heat or cool to reach optimal temperature for rapid charging. So you can get back on the road sooner.
With so much choice on offer and the latest technology, there’s an electric Volvo for everyone.
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