Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes Staff
D.W.G. Kalani Tharanga is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political Blogs.
Volvo Adjusts EV Ambitions, Citing Changing Market Conditions
Volvo has backtracked on its ambitious goal to produce only fully electric cars by 2030, now expecting a mix of electric and hybrid vehicles by that date. The Swedish carmaker cited fluctuating market conditions, including a slowdown in demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and rising trade tariffs on China made EVs, as reasons for the adjustment. This decision aligns Volvo with industry giants like General Motors and Ford, which have also scaled back their EV targets due to similar challenges.
Despite scaling down its original plan, Volvo aims for 90% of its output to consist of electric cars and plug in hybrids by 2030. The company also anticipates selling a small number of mild hybrids, which are conventional vehicles with limited electrical support.
Global EV Market Faces Economic and Infrastructural Barriers
Volvo’s CEO Jim Rowan stressed that while the company remains committed to an electric future, the journey towards full electrification will be uneven. Key hurdles include the slow expansion of EV charging infrastructure and the phasing out of government incentives that had initially encouraged EV adoption. Independent analyst Anna McDonald highlighted consumers' hesitancy, fueled by high EV prices and uncertainties surrounding charging.
Tariffs on Chinese made EVs in Europe and North America have further complicated the market. Volvo, majority owned by China’s Geely, faces these tariffs, affecting its ability to compete in key Western markets. Additionally, several Western nations, including Canada, have introduced heavy tariffs to counter what they see as China’s subsidization of its EV industry, adding another layer of complexity to the global EV landscape.
The broader automotive industry is also grappling with these challenges. Ford and General Motors have both scaled back their EV production goals, citing similar concerns over costs and market demand.
