Volvo is following the lead of other automakers by going all-electric, announcing its goal is to eliminate all its gas-powered vehicles by the year 2030.

The Sweden-based car company changed its engine lineups in 2019 to either hybrid or battery-powered, so transitioning to an all-electric fleet has been in the works for a few years.

Hybrids will be completely phased out by 2030, as well as any vehicles that might still have combustible engines, according to a statement released by the company Tuesday.

In announcing the decision, Volvo explained it is making the move “on the expectation that legislation, as well as a rapid expansion of accessible high quality charging infrastructure, will accelerate consumer acceptance of fully electric cars.”

This decision comes after other carmakers made similar moves, including GM, which announced its plan to sell only emission-free vehicles by the year 2035; Porsche, which plans to have 80% electric by 2030; Jaguar, which hopes to be all-electric by 2025; and Ford Europe, Audi and Bentley, which also are planning to go fully electric by 2030.

Volvo also announced its plans to sell completely online, which is departure from other automakers. The company said the move away from traditional dealership is another sign of things to come in the industry.

“Instead of investing in a shrinking business, we choose to invest in the future — electric and online,” Hakan Samuelsson, the chief executive of Volvo, said in a statement.

Volvo charged ahead with its first electric vehicle last year
Volvo charged ahead with its first electric vehicle last year AFP / Frederic J. BROWN
RELATED STORIES
Electric cars