Volvo’s New Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain Charges Towards Electric Leadership

Volvo has ushered in a new, improved Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain on its 90 and 60 series models, significantly extending electric range while lowering emissions, increasing performance and improving driveability.

The automaker’s new and improved hybrid powertrain brings the all-electric range up to a projected 56 miles on a single charge. So, dads, if you’ve got access to home charging, you should be able to do your daily motoring on pure electric power in a new Volvo plug-in hybrid (like the XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid shown in the pics).

What’s more, you’ll be helping to save the planet. How? Well, Volvo Cars estimates that the new powertrain has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to around 50 per cent.

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Traction

The latest e-motor ups the power to the rear wheels by 65 per cent, enhancing performance and driveability in all scenarios. Together with the boosted battery, the upgraded e-motor also enables better all-wheel-drive capability. This can prove particularly useful at low speeds, when towing, or when driving on slippery roads that demand extra traction and stability.

The suite of upgrades includes the addition of one-pedal drive, which can help deliver an especially smooth and intuitive driving experience. The function, already seen on pure electric Volvo models, gives you the option of controlling both acceleration and deceleration with only the accelerator pedal. This is being rolled out initially on the Volvo XC60, S90 and V90 Recharge plug-in hybrids.

The extra battery capacity also comes in useful on cold winter days, as well as in scorching summer heat. Even when the car isn’t plugged in, you’re able to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin remotely via the Volvo Cars app while still maintaining a generous amount of electric range.

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Electric Leader

Volvo Cars says it’s committed to becoming a leader in the fast-growing premium electric car market. By the middle of this decade it aims to sell 1.2 million cars globally, with at least half being fully electric cars. By 2030, it plans to become a fully electric car company. 

Recent research shows that Volvo Cars’ plug-in hybrids are already now driven around half of the time in pure electric mode. This powertrain upgrade will increase that percentage, further cementing their position as ‘part-time electric cars’.

The fresh powertrain is introduced on all Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrid models based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which includes the Volvo S60, V60, XC60, S90, V90 and XC90 Recharge models.

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Along with the powertrain improvements, the turbocharged T8 petrol engine is upgraded for higher fuel efficiency and performance. This means higher engine power at low revs and take-off, while ensuring a more refined electrified drive with reduced CO₂ tailpipe emissions.

Guys, need we say more? We think it’s time you checked out the latest electrified, family-friendly, Volvos for yourselves.