. . . Tougher emissions standards will lead to the replacement of diesels by gasoline-electric hybrids over the next decade or so, Samuelsson told Car and Driver in a recent interview.
Hybrids offer lower emissions than diesels, but Samuelsson believes they will soon cost less as well.
He said that in a few years there will be a "crossover," at which point costs for hybrid powertrains will steadily decrease, while the cost of diesel powertrains will steadily increase. That's because diesel engines will require more complex exhaust-aftertreatment systems to meet future emissions standards, Samuelsson said. . . .
While the Volvo CEO discussed hybrids in general, in terms of the company's near-future product plans, it will be plug-in hybrids that will directly compete with diesels for sales. . . .
In addition to the plug-in hybrids, Volvo has two all-electric models planned: one based on the SPA platform, the other based on the CMA platform.
