"The time has come for electric cars to cease being a niche technology and enter the mainstream. We are confident that by 2020, 10% of Volvo's global sales will be electrified cars."
That is the judgement of Volvo president and CEO, Hakan Samuelsson. And Volvo are putting their technology where their mouth is.
Volvo is planning on launching a plug-in hybrid version of all of its new models over the next five years. That project will be spearheaded by a new all-electric SUV which is expected in 2019.
The vehicle is intended to be a rival for Tesla and should have a range of 325 miles, with premium performance and a quick charging system.
Before that, Volvo has already launched the XC90 T8 Twin Engine all-wheel drive model in Sweden and that will arrive in the UK in January.
This plug-in electric vehicle has a pure electric range of 25 miles. It produces 407bhp and emits just 49g/km of CO2, giving a combined fuel consumption figure of over 100mpg.
A plug-in version of the upcoming big saloon, the S90, is expected soon.
With more compact premium Volvos getting this treatment, Volvo believes that the period 2020-2025 will be the period when electric vehicles gain acceptance in the mass market.
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