"Diesel Cars No More"... Volvo Korea Restructures Entire Lineup to Hybrid Models

Introduction of Eco-Friendly Powertrains such as MHEV and PHEV... Applicable to All Models from 2021 Model Year

Volvo Car Korea Introduces Electrified Powertrains Across All Models (Photo by Volvo Car Korea)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Volvo Cars Korea is introducing new eco-friendly powertrains across all models, replacing the existing internal combustion engines.

Volvo Cars Korea announced on the 20th that all future models will be launched as mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. This decision aligns with the global headquarters' carbon emission reduction action plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2040. In particular, the Korean market will be the first country worldwide to completely exclude diesel engine sales in response to air quality issues. Through this, the company expects to provide improved fuel efficiency, quieter driving, and powerful performance while reducing emissions.

This policy will apply to all models sold domestically starting with the 2021 model year. Instead of the existing internal combustion engines (D5, T4, T5, T6), new electrified powertrain options such as mild hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be offered. The new S90, which began pre-orders on the 14th, also features a combination of a 48-volt gasoline mild hybrid engine or a plug-in hybrid engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Volvo's new standard powertrain, the B5 48V mild hybrid (Photo by Volvo Cars Korea)

Volvo’s new standard powertrain, introduced with the ‘B’ badge, is a mild hybrid that integrates an advanced kinetic energy recovery system with a 2.0ℓ gasoline engine. It includes a 48-volt supplementary battery, a belt starter generator (BSG), and a DC/DC converter, working interactively with an electronically controlled brake system to recover energy. This enables approximately a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency.

The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, which combines a supercharger, turbocharger, and electric motor to deliver a maximum output of 405 horsepower, also features a new battery and electronically controlled brake system. Reflecting the global goal of achieving 25% of total production as plug-in hybrid models, a newly configured plug-in hybrid model will be introduced domestically.

Accordingly, the powertrain lineup for Volvo Cars’ domestic sales will be reorganized as B4 (197 hp), B5 (250 hp), B6 (300 hp), and Recharge T8 (405 hp including electric motor). However, the domestic launch timing for the 2021 model year varies by model according to the global production schedule.

Yoon Il-mo, CEO of Volvo Cars Korea, stated, "The new eco-friendly powertrains are the best solution that expands our role and responsibility beyond road safety to the safety of the planet." He added, "Through this, customers will experience the evolved value of Swedish luxury, not only in terms of environment and efficiency but also in driving enjoyment.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.