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Volvo Could Solve The Biggest Problem with EVs without You Having to Pay Even $1

Oğuz Çakır — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:48:17 +0000

The popularity of electric vehicles is surging, with a noticeable increase in EVs on the roads today. However, this growth creates some challenges. Not enough charging stations and slow charging times, compared to filling up with gas, can cause long lines at charging stations.

While manufacturers are developing fast charging technologies to address this issue, the problem persists due to both higher costs and a lack of widespread solutions. Fortunately, Volvo and Breathe are collaborating to accelerate electric vehicle charging, offering a promising step forward. Here are the details…

Volvo Teams Up with Breathe for Faster Charging Technology

While brands like Tesla and BYD often dominate conversations about electric vehicles, the market is highly competitive. Traditional automakers like Volvo, with a rich history dating back to 1927, are now major players in the EV market. However, as I mentioned above, one big problem with electric cars is that they take a long time to charge. To fix this, Volvo is teaming up with a British company called Breathe Battery Technologies.

Volvo and Breathe are collaborating on new battery management technology. This technology could charge Volvo’s electric vehicles up to 30% faster than current models. Charging times may be reduced by 15-30%. Best of all, Breathe’s technology works with Volvo’s existing electric vehicles without needing hardware changes. This also means that the cost shouldn’t increase much, if at all.

Who knows, maybe Volvo could even add this battery technology to existing EVs on the road. Imagine if your two-year-old car could suddenly charge 30% faster with just a small upgrade! After that kind of experience, wouldn’t you be more likely to buy your next car from Volvo? Of course, this is just speculation for now we’ll have to wait and see what Volvo decides.

Let’s say you aren’t that into EV technology, and this news hasn’t caught your interest. But maybe this statement from Ann-Sofie Ekberg at Volvo will change your mind. According to her, Volvo doesn’t want to keep this technology all to themselves. This means other car brands could use Breathe’s battery management too. And because it works with very low power, we might even see it in your smartphones, tablets, and laptops someday.

Volvo Unveils the EM90 Electric Minivan with 511 Miles of Range

Anubhav — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:31:37 +0000

Volvo, a brand synonymous with SUVs, sedans, and wagons, has unveiled its first-ever minivan, the EM90, in a rather unconventional way. While we’re used to seeing Volvo‘s new models in grand launches, this one got its first glimpse through pictures on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) website. The model was previously teased by the company as well.

The electric minivan has a 140 kWh battery, and will be targeted at China’s EV market

At first glance, it’s evident that the EM90 has borrowed its framework from the Zeekr 009, another electric minivan. Both share similar pillars, side mirrors, and door handle placements. However, Volvo’s EM90 does a neat job of distinguishing itself with a revamped front fascia and toned-down rear design. It casts off the flashy grille of the Zeekr, opting instead for a simpler body-colored panel.

While the Zeekr 009 offers a powerful dual-motor setup with 536 hp, the EM90 seems to have taken a more conservative route with a rear-mounted electric motor providing 268 horsepower. The focus here is clearly not on speed, but on offering a reliable family vehicle. After all, you probably aren’t looking to drag race in a minivan with your kids in the back.

The EM90 will be an all-electric offering, making it a clean alternative in the minivan market mostly populated by combustion engines. Though exact battery specs are yet to be revealed, it’s reasonable to assume Volvo will prioritize range and efficiency, considering the Zeekr 009 comes with a hefty 140-kWh battery capable of 511 miles. The EM90 is a sizable family hauler, with dimensions and weight that justify its utility-first approach. It will officially be unveiled on November 12, with preorders starting the same day in China, where it will also be manufactured.

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Volvo is Accelerating Towards a 100% BEV Lineup by 2030

Anubhav — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:30:32 +0000

As September winds down, Volvo Cars isn’t just looking back; it’s zooming ahead. With a whopping 61,666 global car sales last month—25% more than the same month last year—the Swedish automaker shows no signs of slowing down. But what’s even more interesting is how the company’s plug-in electric car sales are skyrocketing, indicating a future that’s not just electric, but supercharged.

The company’s Electric Car Segment surged by 37% in the first 9 months of 2023

While Volvo’s total car sales have risen by 19% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2023, the plug-in electric car segment surged by 37%, reaching 21,103 sales. This means plug-in cars now make up 34.2% of Volvo’s total sales, a bump from last year’s 31.3%. Notably, these figures are pushing the envelope even before Volvo launches its next generation of all-electric vehicles, expected to significantly shift the balance in favor of pure electric cars.

The current sales trend suggests that plug-in hybrid cars are slightly outselling all-electric ones. However, given the current growth rate—especially a 52% rise in battery electric vehicles (BEVs)—this is likely to flip soon. The data backs it up: for this year so far, BEVs like the Volvo C40 Recharge and the Volvo XC40 Recharge have a 15.8% share, a staggering 149% increase year-over-year.

Volvo’s electric pivot isn’t just limited to its homeland. A look at the geography of these sales paints an inclusive picture. In Europe, plug-in car sales were 13,599, up 21%. The United States saw an explosive 161% increase to 3,052 units. Even in China, often viewed as a challenging market, Volvo notched up a 20% increase in plug-in car sales.

Here’s the kicker: Volvo isn’t just playing the numbers game. The company has a vision for a 100% BEV lineup by 2030. With upcoming models like the all-new Volvo EX90 and Volvo EM90, the automaker is not just responding to market trends, but potentially setting them.

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Volvo Teases its First Electric Minivan, Chinese Market to be the Main Priority

Anubhav — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:24:30 +0000

Volvo Cars has decided to break nearly a century-old tradition. The Swedish automaker, renowned for its premium sedans and SUVs, has unveiled its very first minivan—the electric EM90. While this may seem like an unexpected leap for Volvo, it appears to be a carefully planned strategy aimed at China, the world’s largest minivan market.

The Minivan is expected to have an impressive 511 miles of range on a single charge

Last August, Volvo announced the EM90 and followed up recently with teaser images posted on its Facebook page. The design cues are certainly Volvo-esque: the model features a boxy exterior, illuminated front grille, and the unmistakable Thor’s hammer LED daytime running lights. Unlike conventional monospace designs often seen in minivans, the EM90 opts for a two-box design, akin to the Zeekr 009, an electric luxury minivan from another Geely-owned brand.

Sharing underpinnings with the Zeekr 009, the EM90 is expected to ride on the Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) platform. It’s likely to come equipped with the CATL 140-kWh Qilin battery, capable of delivering an impressive 511 miles of range. With a dual-motor setup, the EM90 will boast a combined horsepower of 536, putting it in the same league as its electric rivals like the Zeekr 009, Voyah Dreamer, and Denza D9, as well as ICE-powered models such as the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.

The EM90 will make its global debut on November 12, and China will be the first market to open for pre-orders. By targeting China—a market where MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) are immensely popular—Volvo is making a strategic move to carve out a new niche for itself in the electric vehicle ecosystem. This could be the Swedish automaker’s golden ticket into diversifying its portfolio while tapping into the unique demands of the Chinese consumer.

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Volvo’s Electric Car Sales Surged to over 50,000 Units in August

Anubhav — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 03:15:49 +0000

August 2023 was a standout month for Volvo Cars, reporting a significant uptick in global sales by 18% compared to the same period last year. Yet, what’s even more remarkable is Volvo’s sharp pivot towards greener mobility.

China is declining a little on electric car sales, while the US seems to be ramping up

While overall car sales for Volvo rose to 51,636 units in August, their plug-in electric cars claimed the spotlight. Accounting for nearly 33% of the total volume, plug-in electric car sales surged by 78% to 17,005 units. This year, the brand is on track to hit the milestone of selling over 250,000 electric cars, hinting at the public’s growing affinity for cleaner alternatives.

What’s interesting is the internal composition of these electric sales. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) have recorded a massive 167% year-over-year increase, while Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have also seen a solid bump of 46%. So far, this year’s sales data reveals that BEVs and PHEVs form 16% and 22.5% of the total sales, respectively.

Regionally, Europe continues to be the hub for Volvo’s electric car sales, making up 60% of total plug-in sales. America is catching up fast, with a 94% increase in plug-in sales, but it’s China that needs to put its foot on the accelerator, showing a 16% decrease in plug-in electric car sales.

Aiming for a 100% Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) share by 2030, Volvo’s electric line-up will soon expand with new additions like the Volvo EX90, Volvo EX30, and the recently announced Volvo EM90. With these changes, Volvo is not just selling cars; they’re investing in the future—a cleaner, greener one.

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The Unveiling of the Polestar 5: A Flagship Electric Sports Sedan Co-Developed by Geely and Volvo

Oğuz Çakır — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 13:07:16 +0000

The competition in the electric vehicle market is heating up, as more and more automakers are introducing new models. In order to win market share, companies are increasingly looking to join forces. This is what Geely and Volvo have done with the Polestar 5. The two companies unveiled their new flagship electric sports sedan at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Here are the details…

Polestar 5 Unveiled: A High-Performance Electric Sedan for the Luxury Market

The Polestar 5 is a high-performance electric sports sedan that was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June 2023. The car is based on the Polestar Precept concept car, which was first shown in 2020. The production version retains many of the Precept’s design features, including its sleek, aerodynamic bodywork, its distinctive L-shaped headlights, and its frameless door handles. The Polestar 5 is also slightly larger than the Precept, with a longer wheelbase and a wider track.

Under the hood, the Polestar 5 is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that produces 874 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque. The car is equipped with an 800-volt electrical architecture, which allows it to charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes. Polestar has not yet released any information about the Polestar 5’s range, but it is expected to be comparable to other luxury electric sedans.

The Polestar 5’s interior is also designed to be luxurious and high-tech. The car features a minimalist dashboard with a large touchscreen infotainment system. The seats are upholstered in sustainable materials, and the cabin is filled with ambient lighting. The Polestar 5 is a significant milestone for Polestar, as it is the company’s first all-electric vehicle. The car is also a sign of Polestar’s ambition to become a major player in the luxury electric vehicle market. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and luxurious interior, the Polestar 5 is sure to be a hit with consumers.

The collaboration between Geely and Volvo is a sign of the growing importance of the electric vehicle market. In order to compete with Tesla and other established automakers, companies need to join forces and pool their resources. The Polestar 5 is a prime example of what can be achieved when two companies work together.

The Polestar 5 is expected to start at around $75,000 when it goes on sale later this year. It will be available in select markets around the world.

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Volvo Cars USA Achieves 4 Times Sales Growth in the EV Market during June

Anubhav — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 04:59:53 +0000

Volvo Cars USA continues to make waves in the United States automobile market, with impressive sales figures for the month of June 2023. The renowned automaker reported a staggering 53 percent year-over-year increase in car sales, reaching an impressive total of 12,933 units. The exceptional growth trend persisted throughout the first half of the year, with a total of 59,750 cars sold, marking an 18 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

More people buying hybrids indicates a shifting trend in customer preferences

A significant highlight in Volvo’s recent success is the remarkable surge in plug-in electric car sales. In June alone, Volvo sold 3,793 units, representing an impressive 79 percent year-over-year increase. This achievement catapulted plug-in electric cars to a dominant position, comprising over 29 percent of the brand’s total sales volume. Particularly noteworthy is the surge in all-electric vehicle (BEV) sales, which experienced a staggering 284 percent year-over-year increase and set a new all-time record with 2,123 units sold.

In a surprising turn of events, all-electric car sales surpassed plug-in hybrid car sales for the first time, indicating a shifting trend in consumer preferences. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) faced challenges this year, leading industry experts to anticipate the rise of BEVs as the dominant force in the market.

During the second quarter of 2023, Volvo sold 9,778 new plug-in electric cars, slightly lower than the previous year. However, the sales of BEVs alone reached an impressive 4,821 units, marking a significant 124 percent increase compared to the previous year. Year-to-date, Volvo has sold nearly 17,500 plug-in electric cars in the US, accounting for approximately 29 percent of the brand’s total sales volume. This growth has been primarily driven by the 100 percent increase in BEV sales, effectively offsetting the decline in PHEV sales.

In a bid to further bolster their presence in the US electric car market, Volvo recently unveiled the 2024 models of the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge. These new iterations boast enhanced specifications, making them even more appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

While imported Volvo models do not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, the incentive may be incorporated into lease rates, providing potential customers with added benefits. Notably, Volvo’s US lineup exclusively comprises electrified models, including mild hybrids, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and all-electric vehicles. Currently, the lineup features two BEVs—the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge. Looking ahead, Volvo plans to introduce the all-new Volvo EX90 model, which will be locally produced alongside the Polestar 3, as well as the recently unveiled Volvo EX30.

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Volvo announces adoption of Tesla’s NACS charging port for its cars in North America

Jeet — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 01:47:06 +0000

With more and more car manufacturers heavily focusing on electric cars, there’s now a need for a standard charging port that can help in the long run with better and unified infrastructure for charging stations.

In line with that, Volvo Cars has announced that the company will adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its electric vehicles sold in the North American market. This makes Volvo the first European car manufacturer to adopt this charging port.

Volvo EX30

With this move, the cars from Volvo with NACS port will be able to access Tesla‘s Supercharger network, which is currently available at more than 12,000 locations across the continent.

For those who are unaware, NACS is a single-port charging system that has support for both AC and DC charging. Compared to the Combined Charging System (CCS) connector, the NACS connector is about half the size and twice as powerful.

Commenting about this, Henrik Green, chief technology officer at Volvo Cars, said, “We are committed to making electric cars more convenient and accessible for our customers. By adopting NACS, we are giving our customers the freedom to charge their cars anywhere in North America.”

The development from Volvo is a major step towards a unified charging infrastructure in North America. It also gives a boost to Tesla, which has often been criticized for having a closed charging network.

As of now, Volvo has not announced which models will be available in the new connector but the first NACS-equipped vehicles from the company are expected to go on sale later this year.

Volvo EX30 all-electric SUV with hot-hatch proportions, 428hp AWD variant Unveiled

Jed John Ikoba — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 19:37:21 +0000

Volvo is set for the release of the EX30 all-electric SUV with a 428hp AWD option. This is coming on the heels of several teasers by the carmaker. The Volvo EX30 is an affordable compact crossover SUV. It is Volvo’s smallest SUV to date and is really a desirable buy for EV enthusiasts.

The Volvo EX30 all-electric SUV will be offered in a single-motor standard range version, a single-motor extended range version, and a dual-motor AWD Performance model. The Volvo EX30 will run on the Android Automotive system, as with previous Volvo Polestar EVs. Android Automotive offers a stable and smooth user experience. The single-motor variants of the EX30 deliver up to 272hp to the rear wheels and go from 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds. The dual-motor variant of the SUV delivers a rear-wheel power of 428hp and reaches a speed of 60mph in 3.4 seconds.

Volvo EX30 exterior

Volvo is yet to provide the range for the entry-level model but the second model has a range of 275 miles. It is equipped with an NMC battery pack which is also featured in the dual-motor model. The Twin Motor Performance version of the EX30 however has a range of 265 miles.

The Volvo EX30 Crossover SUV is slightly shorter than a Volkswagen Golf 8 but with a longer wheelbase. The new Volvo Crossover SUV comes with the standard Volvo safety features and is a great choice for city dwellers.

Volvo EX30 interior

The Volvo EX30 is available in several European markets while pre-orders are being accepted in the US. The earliest deliveries of the EX30 in the US is by Q2, 2024. The Volvo EX30 is priced starting at $34,950 in the US and a similar price in Europe and the United Kingdom.

Volvo Unveils the EX30: A Small SUV Revolutionizing the Electric Vehicle Market

Oğuz Çakır — Tue, 09 May 2023 23:08:31 +0000

Swedish automotive giant Volvo continues to expand its successful electric vehicle portfolio. The company had previously introduced the electric luxury SUV model EX90, which is set to replace the XC90 series. Today, Volvo announced that they will unveil a brand new model even before the EX90 hits the market. The new electric model is called the Volvo EX30, and it is described as a small SUV. The global launch of the vehicle is scheduled for June 7th. Here are the details…

Volvo X30 Launch Date Revealed

The name Volvo EX30 has been circulating for a few weeks now, and the company’s recent announcement confirmed the existence of such a vehicle. According to the latest reports, the highly anticipated car will be a small SUV. The company emphasizes the importance of thinking small, describing the EX30 as “small in size, big in life.”

Details about the features and design of the EX30 are still scarce. However, it is expected to be positioned below the 40 series electric vehicles, which include the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge. The fact that it will be released as an SUV suggests that it could be taller than the C40.

It is possible to say that Volvo is targeting a younger audience with this vehicle. This means that there is a high likelihood of encountering a compact and sporty car. The new model is expected to help the brand reach a broader audience in the electric vehicle market, contributing to further growth. All eyes are now on the global launch set to take place on June 7th. At that time, we will learn more details and information about Volvo’s new electric SUV model, the EX30.

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Volvo XC40 Recharge e-SUV can be booked in India now

Divyansh Mehta — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 09:36:11 +0000

The premium electric SUV Volvo XC40 Recharge was introduced by Volvo in India, making it the country’s first luxury EV to be built indigenously. Last year, the Volvo XC40 Recharge was showcased in India, and in June 2021, Volvo began accepting pre-bookings for the vehicle. After today, Volvo will only be offered on the Volvo India website and will only be accessible for a nominal booking fee.

The company’s Hoskote factory in Bengaluru is building the Volvo XC40 Recharge indigenously. The XC40 Recharge electric SUV boasts a stated range of 418 kilometers and can be fast-charged at a rate of 150 kilowatts.

In addition to a three-year comprehensive guarantee on the vehicle, Volvo will also include a third-party 11kW wall box charger, an eight-year battery warranty, a four-year digital service subscription, a three-year Volvo service package, and a three-year roadside assistance program.

In the Indian market, the Volvo XC40 Recharge, a premium model, will compete with vehicles like the Kia EV6, BMW i4, and the smaller Mini Cooper SE.

Volvo XC40 Specifications

Power

Twin motor powertrains with 78kWh batteries will be an option for the Volvo XC40 Recharge. The battery pack can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 33 minutes thanks to its 150kW rapid charging capability. A 50kW fast charger, which is more common, could fully charge this Volvo in 2.5 hours.

The 480bhp peak power and 660Nm peak torque of the engine enable the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 4.9 seconds. The dual motor configuration of the XC40 Recharge also permits an AWD layout. The XC40 Recharge advertises a stated range of 418 kilometers on a single charge, which is ARAI-certified.

Design

The XC40 is a stylish SUV, and the electrified model is no exception. The distinctive front characteristic DRL that resembles Thor’s hammer has been kept by the Swedish automaker, and the vertically stacked rear LED lighting system is still there. To tell it apart from its gasoline sister, there is a blanked-out grille and a new set of 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

Given the battery pack, the XC40 Recharge is 15mm longer than the gasoline-powered XC40 and now sits a little lower at 175mm. The trunk has a 452-liter capacity, and the electric drivetrain has freed up 31 liters for storage.

Features

The primary infotainment system is now Android-based, and the XC40 Recharges adds a new series of digital displays from the XC60 that is clearer and faster. A handful of apps from the Google Play Store are also usable and operate via an onboard e-sim.

A panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, a complete complement of sensor-based ADAS technology with Level 2 Autonomous driving, linked car technology, powered front seats with driver-side memory, and a high-end Harman Kardon sound system are all included in the list of features.

Pricing and availability

At a starting price of Rs. 55.90 lakh, the luxury electric SUV Volvo XC40 Recharge has been introduced in India (ex-showroom). The price difference between the XC40 Recharge and its petrol ICE cousin is Rs 11.40 lakh. Starting on July 27th, customers may place an exclusive online order for the car on the Volvo India website for a nominal booking fee of Rs 50,000.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge comes with a single Ultimate trim level and a twin-motor powertrain configuration. Crystal White, Fjord Blue, Onyx Black, Sage Green, and Thunder Grey are the five exterior color choices available. The Charcoal Connect Suede textile interior palette will be offered for the XC40 Recharge.

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Volvo to debut Ride Pilot autonomous driving feature in California later this year

Jeet — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 09:17:26 +0000

During CES 2022, Volvo has announced that the company will debut its Ride Pilot, an autonomous driving feature in California by the middle of this year. Once the feature has been approved for use on highways, it will be offered to customers.

The company says that the Ride Pilot feature will be offered to customers as a paid add-on for a new electric SUV that it plans to announce later this year. The feature is also planned to be released in other markets.

For creating Ride Pilot, Volvo worked with Zenseact and LiDAR developer Luminar. The feature is currently being tested in Sweden. Volvo says that Ride Pilot utilizes a Luminar Iris LiDAR sensor complemented by eight cameras, 16 ultrasonic sensors, and five radars to enable the software to judge depth.

The company also says that it will push out continuous over-the-air updates to ensure the feature is safe to use. Martin Kristensson, Head of AD and Mobility at Volvo, said: “When we say self-driving, we mean self-driving. So this will be a feature or function where the car is actually responsible for the driving so you will not need to keep your hands on the steering wheel and you will not need to keep your eyes off the road.”

Ride Pilot is described as a hands-off, eyes-off system, which means that a driver will be free to do other things when the system is activated. This is different from existing self-driving systems which require constant monitoring from the driver.

Volvo working on new tech that turns car windshields into an AR Display

Sean — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 12:25:00 +0000

Volvo is looking to create a new and more interactive way to offer users information while driving their cars. The company is working on a new technology, which could turn the car’s windshield into an AR display.

The Swedish automobile giant has just announced a partnership with an Israel based start up, Spectralics. Together, the two companies will be working on a new technology that will offer people a heads up display (HUD) for a windshield. For those unaware, a HUD is a feature that is seen in military aircrafts like fighter jets in which crucial details like speed, altitude and other crucial information is displayed in front of the pilot. Previously, we had reported on Huawei announcing an AR HUD tech that would turn car windshield’s into a smart screen. And now, it seems that Volvo is also working on a similar system as well.

Spectralics is developing what it calls a multi layered thin combiner (MLTC) film that can embed in the windshield of a car. This would enable the vehicle to turn the whole window or windshield into a large augmented reality based display. As stated above, this HUD display could help offer users a number of crucial information, like pointing out potential hazards or offering details regarding the vehicle’s immediate vicinity.

Huawei AR HUD

According to Volvo, the wide field of view offered by the HUD can display “can instill a sense of distance as virtual objects are superimposed onto the real world environment for a safe and immersive experience.” While this technology does sound quite interesting, it is still in early stages of development. Although, since Huawei is already working on this technology and now an established car brand like Volvo is developing this technology as well, it won’t be a surprise if more automakers take note of this system.

Volvo to supply its XC90 model for Didi’s Robotaxi fleet in China

Jed John Ikoba — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:51:15 +0000

Didi has announced plans to configure Volvo’s XC90 SUVs for its new fleet of autonomous vehicles to be deployed on Chinese roads. The global Robotaxi rollout of the ride-hailing app, which acquired Uber China in 2016, is in line with its business development strategy. The company continues to make investments in deploying autonomous vehicles to Chinese public roads.

Volvo is owned by Chinese automaker Geely, since its acquisition in 2010. The Swedish automaker has a track record of safety and luxury in vehicle manufacturing. Didi will leverage this by combining its self-driving system, called Gemini, with Volvo’s safety and convenience features to produce a car that will no longer need safety drivers, with a backup to bring a car to a halt in situations of system failure.

Didi also offers a range of mobility services and added services like financial services to its drivers, and continues to expand. The company recently flagged its initial public offering of $100 billion, targeting research to enhance and expand its mobility service portfolio to include the driverless XC90 SUVs already customized for autonomous driving.

As should be expected, there is stiff competition in the world’s largest auto market for self-driving vehicles. The Robotaxis was pioneered by AutoX a couple of years ago, and some other companies have entered the market, offering a variety of services to a wide array of customers. Huawei last week also signaled its desires in the market with the unveiling of its homemade HarmonyOS operating system, thus opening new vistas in self-driving and autonomous vehicle development in China.

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Volvo to halt car production in China and US in March due to chip shortage

Sean — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 08:36:57 +0000

Volvo Cars will temporarily be halting or adjusting its production in China and the US. The primary reason for this move is due to the company being affected by the chip shortage issue that has affected various industries across the globe.

According to a YahooNews report, the automobile maker made the announcement of adjusting or halting production earlier this week for China and the United States. As per the official statement, “We expect the situation to become critical during the second quarter and have therefore decided to take measures to minimize the impact on production while working daily to improve the situation. Volvo Cars will temporarily stop or adjust production in some of its car factories (in the United States and China) during the month of March.”

The company further added that it has yet to be affected or lose volumes due to the global chip shortage. Although, it said that there was a “big risk,” which could hit during the first quarter of this year. Notably, the shortages in semiconductors has affected the automobile industry, with various car makers competing with the consumer electronic industry for chip supplies.

Previously, we had reported on the impact the chip supply issue would have on the automobile industry. Similarly, Germany has also urged Taiwan for help over its own automobile production issues owing to semiconductor shortages. The issue is expected to persist this year, so stay tuned for more updates.

Volvo announces plans to only manufacture electric vehicles by 2030

Jed John Ikoba — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 22:31:47 +0000

Chinese-owned Volvo plans to fully transform its present production plants in Sweden to produce only electric vehicles and hopes to accomplish the goal by 2030. Volvo thus plans to exit the internal combustion-based auto market entirely by the turn of this decade. The company says there is no long-term future for internal combustion vehicles and joins UK-based carmaker Jaguar who had also made the decision to transition fully to EV production by 2025.

Volvo launched its first fully-electric car, the XC40 Recharge SUV in 2019. With EVs increasingly measured by their mileage on a full charge, as well as recharge times, the XC40 Recharge has a 200-mile range, and fast charging capability as the batteries can be charged up to 80% in just 40 minutes. Volvo is about to launch its second fully-electric vehicle.

In addition, Volvo also says it will only sell the electric cars online, aimed at significantly cutting down operating expenses that are bound to go up with the operation of physical stores.

The company is obviously ramping up its previous plans of having up to 50% of its car sales be electric by 2025 and says the new strategy is an “acceleration of existing targets driven by very strong demand for its electric models. It says it will continue to meet the exceptional quality it has always been known for by focusing on fewer models that would well exceed customer expectations.

Volvo also hopes to make strong investments in its e-commerce platform so as to seamlessly transition to an online-only sales model easily compatible with its customer expectations.

In the words of CEO, Hakan Samuelson, “To remain successful, we need profitable growth. So instead of investing in a shrinking business, we choose to invest in the future — electric and online. We are fully focused on becoming a leader in the fast-growing premium electric segment.”

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