Volvo Cars goal to reduce carbon footprint on all-new models

Volvo Cars’ has launched an ambitious plan in the automotive industry, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint by 40 percent per car between 2018 and 2025. This is Volvo Cars’ first step towards achieving a climate-neutral company by 2040, along with the introduction of the XC40 Recharge.

Volvo Cars was founded in 1927, today it is a well-known and respected premium  global brand.

Plan of action

The plan represents action in line with the global Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, which seeks to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Volvo Cars’ 2040 plan goes beyond addressing tailpipe emissions through all-out electrification.

Carbon emissions will be tackled in its manufacturing network, wider operations, supply chain, recycling and reuse of materials. As a step towards its 2040 goal, Volvo Cars are implementing a set of measures in its efforts to reduce the company’s lifecycle CO₂ footprint.

Chief executive Hakan Samuelsson, says “We are transforming our company through concrete actions, not symbolic pledges. So at Volvo Cars’, we will address what we control, which is both our operations and the tailpipe emissions of our cars. And we will address what we can influence, by calling on our suppliers and the energy sector to join us in aiming for the climate-neutral future.”

Short-term goals include reducing CO₂ emissions related to its global supply chain by 2025, a 25 percent share of recycled plastics in new Volvo cars by 2025 and a 25 percent reduction of carbon emissions generated by the company’s overall operations thus being manufacturing and logistics.

All-new XC40 Recharge

Volvo was the first manufacturer to commit to all-out electrification while designing cars powered by an internal combustion engine. As of this year, every new Volvo launched will be electric.  Volvo has launched its first fully electric car, the XC40 Recharge.

The XC40 Recharge is the first car in Volvo Cars’ new Recharge segment and will be the name for all chargeable, fully electric and plug-in hybrid Volvos. The Recharge line aims to boost the sales of Volvo Cars’ electrified vehicles and encourage all plug-in hybrid drivers to use Pure mode as much as possible.

Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa Greg Maruszewski says, “We are proud to form part of a company that isn’t just talking about the critically important issue of climate change but is rather actively and tangibly addressing the issue. South Africans have long purchased Volvo Cars because they are stylish, innovative, safe, and represent the pinnacle in Swedish luxury. Now they will be able to buy cars that contribute to a climate-neutral future.”

What we know about the XC40 Recharge

The XC40 Recharge is a fully electric all-wheel drive that offers a range of over 400km on a single charge with an output of 304 kW. The battery charges to an 80% capacity in 40 min on a fast-charger system.

Buyers of all-new hybrid plug-ins will receive a full refund for all electricity used in the first year of ownership. The Recharge campaign will be available in South Africa too.

Motorists will be able to monitor electricity used via the Volvo on Call app. The refund will be based on the data received on the app. Note this will not be applicable to rental cars and will be available to motorists who keep the vehicles for at least 12 months.

With effect from the model year 2021, all Volvo cars with a power cord (plug-in hybrids and full-electric vehicles) will be branded ‘Recharge’.

One of Volvos’ core values is environmental care and it is evident in all the necessary changes they are currently making for their new models. The electric XC40 will make its debut in South Africa in 2020.

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Images: Motorpress