In an announcement that had a seismic effect on the automotive industry, Volvo has stated that from 2019 every newly launched Volvo will have an electric motor.

The announcement represents one of the most significant moves by any car maker as the industry develops new electrification technology. It highlights how the 19th century internal combustion engine is giving way to the very 21st Century electric motor as the propulsion method of choice.

“This is about the customer,” said Hakan Samuelsson, president and chief executive. “People increasingly demand electrified cars and we want to respond to our customers’ current and future needs. You can now pick and choose whichever electrified Volvo you wish.”

So, look out for Volvo Cars introduction of a portfolio of electrified cars across its model range, as it fully embraces electric cars, plug in hybrid cars and mild hybrid cars. It will launch five fully electric cars between 2019 and 2021, three of which will be Volvo models and two of which will be high performance electrified cars from Polestar, Volvo Cars’ performance car arm. Full details of these models will be announced at a later date.

This means that there will in future be no Volvo cars without an electric motor, as pure ICE cars are gradually phased out and replaced by ICE cars that are enhanced with electrified options. “This announcement marks the end of the solely combustion engine-powered car,” said Mr Samuelsson. “Volvo Cars has stated that it plans to have sold a total of 1m electrified cars by 2025. When we said it we meant it. This is how we are going to do it.”