As Volvo Showcases an Electric Future at CES, Advocates Say They Are Not Delivering on Their Promis

January 9, 2025

LAS VEGAS- Environmental and industry leaders called on Volvo Group CEO Martin Lundstedt to accelerate the company's transition to electric trucks in the United States during a press conference outside the building where he made his Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025) keynote address Wednesday.

While Lundstedt touted Volvo's vision for zero-emission vehicles inside the Venetian Hotel, advocates highlighted the company's contradictory actions in the U.S. market. This includes Volvo's recent $700 million investment in a new diesel truck plant in Mexico and consistent opposition to U.S. clean truck standards through industry groups.

"Volvo's climate leadership can't be all talk. Despite their bold vision for zero-emission trucks in Europe, in the U.S. they continue to stall," said Jennifer Cardenas, Organizer with Sierra Club's Clean Transportation for All campaign. "Every day that Volvo delays bringing electric trucks to American roads means more toxic diesel exhaust in our communities, especially in neighborhoods near ports and freight corridors."

Volvo has pledged 35% zero-emissions truck sales by 2030 in select markets, but currently delivers less than 2% electric vehicles. Advocates called on Lundstedt to:

• Stop opposing U.S. clean truck regulations
• Align North American electric truck pricing with European markets
• Focus on true zero-emission solutions rather than fossil gas and biofuels
• Ensure an equitable transition for workers and communities

"WattEV has made substantial investments in infrastructure to accelerate the electrification of heavy-duty freight," said Umar Javed, co-founder and President of WattEV.With that in place, we're calling on leading OEMs like Volvo to advance the volume production of electric trucks with extended range and rapid charging capabilities, leveraging the MCS Standard to meet the demands of the market."

Sierra Club and WattEV emphasized that Volvo's position as an industry trendsetter makes its U.S. strategy particularly significant for the broader transition to clean transportation.

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.