Volvo considering new Tesla competing electric vehicle by 2019

Volvo might also build its first all-electric vehicle for the Chinese market initially and launch it later in other countries.

The electric car that Volvo has long planned for 2019 could join a growing group of long-range, mass-market models like the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the upcoming Tesla Model 3, and the second-generation Nissan Leaf.

The electric car that Volvo has long planned for 2019 could join a growing group of long-range, mass-market models like the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the upcoming Tesla Model 3, and the second-generation Nissan Leaf.

The Swedish automaker has concentrated on plug-in hybrids for the most part thus far, but plans to launch a production electric car within two years.

That car will have a range of at least 200 miles, and a starting price of $35,000 to $40,000, Volvo Cars USA CEO Lex Kerssemakers told journalists.

Those range and price targets are a "prerequisite" for the volvo electric car to be successful in the U.S., Kerssemakers told Automotive News (subscription required).

It's unclear if the 250-mile range that he quoted on the sidelines of the recent 2017 Geneva Motor Show was measured on the U.S. EPA testing cycle, or the much more optimistic European Union NEDC protocol.

The latter seems more likely, in which case a comparable U.S. EPA figure would be lower—likely somewhere around 200 miles.

While Kerssemakers seemed adamant about the range and price figures he quoted, other aspects of the electric car are reportedly still up in the air.

Volvo has not even decided whether the electric car will be a dedicated model, or a variant of an existing model, according to Automotive News—making a 2019 launch a very quick development indeed.

Whatever form it takes, the Volvo electric car will use one of the two modular platforms that will underpin virtually all of the company's new models henceforth.

Building on the 2012 XC60 Plug-In Hybrid concept’s visual theme, the S60L PHEV gets a matte-white paint job with black- and blue-hued trim pieces. 

 Volvo cut a charge port out of the S60L’s front-left fender, and fitted unique seven-spoke wheels with blue accents. Inside, there’s inviting hazelnut-colored leather with contrasting stitching and Volvo’s “blond” wood trim.

          

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