Volvo Car Australia to go all electric by 2026

Volvo Car Australia has unveiled an ambitious plan to sell only fully electric cars in Australia by 2026 - four years earlier than its parent company's 2030 global target.

"Globally, Volvo is firmly committed to becoming an electric-only carmaker by 2030, but in Australia we will make the transition happen by 2026," Stephen Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car Australia, said.

"The earlier deadline will allow us to meet the expectations of our Australian customers and be a part of the solution when it comes to fighting climate change. Sustainability is now as important as safety to us, with climate action having the highest priority.

"Volvo Cars has one of the most ambitious climate plans in the car industry which involves consistently reducing the life cycle carbon footprint per car through concrete action.

"Australian consumers are early adopters of new technologies, and they are embracing fully electric cars in increasing numbers as part of a practical response to combatting climate change.

"There is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine. So, instead of investing in a shrinking business, we choose to invest in the future, which is fully electric."

Mr Connor said by 2025 nearly 80 per cent of Volvo's Australian sales will be fully electric models.

"The decision to sell only electric cars from 2026 makes perfect sense, and we believe it will give us a strategic advantage in the Australian market. The final piece of the jigsaw will be converting the last 20 per cent of our customers to a fully electric future from 2026.

"I am very confident we can achieve this, and even go beyond to achieve our aspiration of selling 20,000 fully electric cars every year in Australia."

Behyad Jafari, the chief executive of the Electric Vehicle Council described Volvo Car Australia’s announcement as “truly remarkable”.

“It shows they appreciate the momentum for EVs building in the Australian market and they see the opportunities in meeting the demand,” he said.

“Most Australians now want an electric car – the problem is a lack of supply and a lack of choice. Having Volvo plug part of this gap will make a significant difference.”

Volvo is currently the fastest growing brand in the Australian luxury SUV segment, clocking up record sales for the past four years. It recently launched the C40 Recharge Pure Electric, the first dedicated electric only vehicle model for the Australian market.

The C40 Recharge Pure Electric is available with a single electric motor and front-wheel drive, while the variant with dual electric motors comes with all-wheel drive. It is also the first Volvo to be completely leather-free.