Last month in Torslanda, Sweden, a blue XC90 rolled off the assembly line and into history. That vehicle was the last diesel that Volvo Cars will ever produce. It will find a good home in the World of Volvo museum in Gothenburg. We at Volvo Cars Walnut Creek have mixed feelings. Diesels have been a popular choice for both us and our customers but the shift has been towards greener options.
So why stop producing diesel models? Because Volvo is wholly committed to producing only clean, sustainable vehicles and is moving away from the traditional internal combustion engine.
At Volvo Cars Walnut Creek, we applaud this responsible philosophy and from our experience, this is what Volvo customers want. There has been a dramatic shift in recent years to Mild Hybrid models including the XC90 and XC40, Plug-in Hybrid vehicles like the XC60 Recharge and S90 Recharge, and all-electric models like the C40 and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.
As part of this commitment to both customers and the environment, Volvo has recently announced a partnership with Breathe Battery Technologies, becoming the first automotive manufacturer to gain access to the latest version of Breathe’s patented, algorithm-based charging software.
Volvo Cars’ in-house developed battery management platform, along with the Breathe software, will help optimize and improve the performance of charging technologies. That means even faster charging times and an enhanced overall driving and charging experience for customers.
This forward-thinking approach is already garnering rave reviews and accolades. Volvo’s most recent foray in the EV (electric vehicle) market, the all-new, highly anticipated EX30, was recently awarded the title of 2024 World Urban Car at the New York International Auto Show. The World Car Awards are a prestigious organization whose mission is to “recognize, reward and inspire automotive excellence, leadership and innovation in a rapidly changing automotive industry on a global scale”. A panel of over 100 global jurors selected the EX30 as the 2024 World Urban Car.
The EX30 is part of the next generation of Volvo models. It is designed to deliver big electric performance in a small package, and at a very affordable price. It will stand alongside the EX90, the eagerly awaited, full-sized flagship which has also been lauded. While saying goodbye to diesel vehicles is bittersweet, we are excited to embrace the future of Volvo!
If you’d like to hear more about the present and future of Volvo Cars, we invite our neighbors in Antioch, Oakland, and other nearby communities to visit us at Volvo Cars Walnut Creek.