Volvo sees hybrids replacing diesels, even in Europe
Following the revelation of Volkswagen鈥檚 emissions cheating scandal, diesels have started to wane in popularity in many parts of the globe, including Europe where diesel fuel sells at a steep discount to gasoline.
According to Volvo CEO H氓kan Samuelsson, diesel sales will continue to diminish as emissions standards become tougher and the cost and performance of electrified cars continue to improve.
Samuelsson used Volvo鈥檚 T5 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid system, which debuts next year in the automaker鈥檚 new 鈥�40鈥� series compact cars, as an example.
鈥淚t is a very attractive alternative to a diesel engine,鈥� he told a group of journalists, including some from . 鈥淚t offers much lower CO2 levels but more or less the same performance in both horsepower and torque.鈥�
Electrified cars still cost more than comparable diesels but Samuelsson said this will change in the coming years as emissions standards become tougher.
鈥淒iesels will be more expensive, they will have much more advanced after-treatment with additional fluids that have to be filled not once a year, but probably every time you refuel the car,鈥� he explained.
The T5 Twin Engine system consists of a 3-cylinder engine, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and electric motor, with drive going to the front wheels only. It will be the range-topping option for Volvo鈥檚 compact range and will likely feature in the next-generation 鈥�60鈥� series of small cars. It won鈥檛 feature in the mid-size "90" series, though.
The first of Volvo鈥檚 compact cars will be an XC40 crossover, a test mule for which . It will be followed by an S40 sedan and V40 hatchback. The cars were recently .
This article first appeared at .
