Asian Tech Press (Feb 2) -- Volvo Cars has reportedly been accelerating its shift to electrification.

Geely-backed Volvo is preparing to launch an "electric blitz" by converting all of its major models to electric vehicles, including three SUVs and two sedans, and launching a luxury electric van designed to boost sales in Asia, according to an exclusive report by Reuters citing sources.

The Swedish automaker expects to launch at least six new all-electric vehicles by 2026, said the report. Volvo aims to be fully electric by 2030, and its Australian subsidiary said it plans to sell only electric cars in that market by 2026.

Volvo, a Swedish brand known for its safety and practical design, is making the change because of a greater focus on customer trends in Asia and efforts to win Asian sales, the sources said.

Among the new all-electric vehicles it plans to launch over the next four years is a Volvo-branded MPV or van that will be based on all-electric luxury MPV Zeekr 009, the second model available in China under Geely's premium electric car brand Zeekr.

Volvo has moved development work of its sedan and upcoming EV models to its Shanghai R&D center, Reuters said. One of the sources said the center has tripled its design staff to about 60 people and has recently moved to a new, larger building in Shanghai.

The Volvo EX90, the first electric model in Volvo's new plans, made its debut late last year and may go on sale in early 2024. Other all-electric vehicles in development include electric versions of Volvo's mainline products, the XC90, XC60 and XC40 crossover vehicles, as well as the S60 and S90 sedans.

However, Volvo has not yet announced details of its plans.