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Volvo Cars said it would convert its entire lineup to battery power by 2030, phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles faster than other automakers like General Motors.
Volvo, based in Sweden and owned by Geely Holding of China, has been ahead of larger rivals in converting to electric power. In 2019, all the models it sold were either hybrids or ran solely on batteries.
By 2030, Volvo said in a statement on Tuesday, it will “phase out any car in its global portfolio with an internal combustion engine, including hybrids.”
While hybrids have better fuel economy than conventional vehicles, they may not be much better for the climate or for urban air quality if drivers do not use the electric capabilities.
G.M.’s promise to sell only emission-free vehicles, which it made in January, does not take effect until 2035.
Volvo acknowledged that it was responding in part to pressure from governments, many of which have announced bans on internal combustion engines in coming years.
The company said its decision was based “on the expectation that legislation as well as a rapid expansion of accessible high quality charging infrastructure will accelerate consumer acceptance of fully electric cars.”
In another break from industry practice, Volvo’s electric models will be sold exclusively online, bypassing dealers.
“Instead of investing in a shrinking business, we choose to invest in the future — electric and online,” Hakan Samuelsson, the chief executive of Volvo, said in a statement.
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