Volvo Plans to Go Electric-Only by 2030

Volvo is joining the growing list of global auto manufacturers that are getting serious about pulling the plug on gas cars.

The Swedish carmaker recently announced that it will sell electric cars only by 2030. That would put Volvo five years ahead of an ambitious new plan recently announced by General Motors, The Detroit Free Press reports

“There is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine,” Henrik Green, Volvo’s chief technology officer, said in a statement announcing the plan. “We are firmly committed to becoming an electric-only car maker and the transition should happen by 2030. It will allow us to meet the expectations of our customers and be a part of the solution when it comes to fighting climate change.”

The announcement comes less than a month after GM said it will scrap gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Although some observers are skeptical about the company hitting that goal, Volvo’s move is an example of the shockwaves that the GM decision sent through the industry.

More announcements may be on the way. Ford, for example, has pledged to invest $29 billion in electrification projects, including plug-in versions to the F-150 pickup truck, the Mustang and a luxury sport utility vehicle.

While carmakers are going all-in on electric, buyers in the U.S. are not exactly joining the wave.

Some 2.5 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide last year, a total that is expected to jump by 70% in 2021, according to the Free Press. Fully-electric cars accounted for only about 2.5% of all new car sales in the U.S. last year.

Here is What Gas and Electric Cars Have in Common: Defects 

As carmakers shift their attention to plug-ins, they continue to struggle to put cars on the road that are actually safe to drive. Car manufacturers recall millions of vehicles each year for a full range of defects that significantly increase the risk of an accident.

The good news in California is that the state’s lemon law offers some protections for car owners and lessors. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires carmakers to repair vehicles while they are under warranty and to buy back or replace cars that the company cannot or will not fix.

The law also forces the manufacturer to pick up the tab for legal fees that an owner or lessor incurs while enforcing his or her rights.

How a California Lemon Law Attorney Can Help

If you are a California car owner who has been stuck with a defective vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you understand your rights and options.

Our firm has represented hundreds of clients across the state in defective vehicle cases. Our lawyers work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent, guiding them through the legal process every step of the way. We have a strong track record of successful results for our clients.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.