Volvo to Stop Making Gas-Only Cars by 2019

By: Caitlin Proctor, Lady Free Thinker | 

Last week, Volvo announced their intention to phase out cars run solely on gasoline by 2019, years ahead of the projections from other auto companies. By 2021, Volvo will release five completely electric vehicles. By 2025, Volvo further projects to have manufacturing achieve an environmentally neutral impact.

This decision was preceded by Europe’s stricter clean air regulations and the recent Volkswagen diesel-duping scandal. There is a global push toward clean energy, so while more aggressive than most, Volvo’s pledge is in line with the current environment.

America is Volvo’s top market behind China. Long has the Volvo been a safe, reliable option for families and individuals alike. Now that safety will extend to the environment as well as the passengers.

Here is what you need to know about Volvo’s claim:

• This is not the death of gas cars. This is another push toward greener energy, mirrored by similar claims from other car companies.
• By 2019, Volvo will only release new cars with electric or electric-gas hybrid engines. They will continue to sell cars that use only gas, but not release new models.
• In 2024, Volvo will no longer sell cars that use only gas power.
• Between 2019 and 2021, Volvo will release five all-electric models; two will be under the name of “Polestar,” Volvo’s electric-racing subsidiary.

Volvo’s foreward-thinking announcement arrives in the wake of President Trump pulling America out of the Paris Agreement. Signed in 2016 by 195 countries and parties, the document provides support for global curbing of climate change induced damages. Despite speculation about the future of America and clean energy, Americans still desire more eco-friendly vehicles.

“This is about the customer. People increasingly demand electrified cars and we want to respond to our customers’ current and future needs. You can now pick and choose whichever electrified Volvo you wish,” says Vovlo’s president and CEO, Håkan Samuelsson.

Hybrid and electric cars are the way of the future. While all major auto manufacturers offer some greener options, Volvo is leading the way to cleaner air with less fuel fumes polluting our air.

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