Volvo plans to sell nothing but electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. It’s one of several automakers to make that commitment – Audi, Mini, and Mercedes-Benz (in some markets) have made the same promise. But Volvo has a jump-start on all of them. Every car it builds for the 2023 model year will be available as an EV or a hybrid.
Volvo already sells two EV models – the XC40 Recharge SUV and its sportier-looking C40 Recharge cousin. Every other Volvo model will be available with a hybrid powertrain for 2023.
The last cars to make the jump are the XC90, XC40, and V60 Cross Country. All will come standard with Volvo’s 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Volvo hasn’t released fuel economy numbers, but that system boosts fuel economy by about 15% on most cars.
For the 2021 model year, for instance, the Volvo S60 earned an EPA rating of 23 miles per gallon in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. Volvo added the hybrid system to its 2022 S60, and the car did better in every measure — 26 city/35 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined.
Volvo this week also announced that every 2023 model will get the company’s new Google Android-based infotainment system. It lets users run some Google apps, including Maps and Voice Assistant, directly from the car without the need to connect a phone.
The system also allows Volvo to send remote software updates to the cars. Automakers can use that technology to remotely add features to a car or fix software problems without requiring owners to bring vehicles in for repair.
