Volvo upgrades hybrids. Bigger batteries and even better performance

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Volvo hybrids. Key changes on most models
Volvo hybrids. More news
Volvo hybrids. Longer range, better acceleration
Volvo hybrids. Price list 2022

Volvo Cars was one of the pioneers of plug-in hybrids. Today, PHEV models account for over 44% of the European brand's sales. Now the company has made a deep technological modernization of these vehicles.

Volvo hybrids. Key changes on most models

The new change applies to all plug-in hybrids on the SPA platform. These are the Volvo S60, S90, V60, V90, XC60 and XC90, both in T6 Recharge and T8 Recharge variants. These vehicles received traction batteries with a higher nominal capacity (an increase from 11,1 to 18,8 kWh). Thus, the useful power increased from 9,1 to 14,9 kWh. The natural consequence of this change is an increase in the distance that Volvo PHEV models can only cover when powered by an electric motor. The electric range is now between 68 and 91 km (WLTP). The rear axle is driven by an electric motor, the power of which has been increased by 65% - from 87 to 145 hp. The value of its torque has also increased from 240 to 309 Nm. A built-in starting generator with a power of 40 kW appeared in the drive system, which made it possible to exclude a mechanical compressor from the internal combustion engine. This alternator makes the car move smoothly, and the smoothness of the drive system and switching from electric to inboard motor is almost imperceptible.

Volvo hybrids. More news

The performance of the all-wheel drive system in Volvo PHEV models has also been improved, and the permissible trailer weight has been increased by 100 kg. The electric motor can now independently accelerate the vehicle up to 140 km/h (previously up to 120-125 km/h). The driving dynamics of the Recharge hybrids have been significantly improved when driving on the electric motor alone. The more powerful electric motor is also able to brake the vehicle more effectively during the energy recovery function. One Pedal Drive has also been added to the XC60, S90 and V90. After selecting this mode, simply release the gas pedal and the car will come to a complete stop. The fuel heater was replaced by a high-voltage air conditioner (HF 5 kW). Now, when driving on electricity, the hybrid consumes no fuel at all, and even with the garage closed, you can heat the interior during charging, leaving yourself more energy for driving on electricity. Internal combustion engines develop 253 hp. (350 Nm) in the T6 variant and 310 hp. (400 Nm) in the T8 variant.

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Volvo hybrids. Longer range, better acceleration

The previous generation V60 T8 accelerated from 0 to 80 km / h in clean mode (purely on electricity) in about 13-14 seconds. Thanks to the use of a more powerful electric motor, this time was reduced to 8,5 seconds. Cars gain momentum when electric motors and internal combustion engines work together. This is especially true for the XC60 and XC90 models. Here are the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration data and their current range by model. The values in brackets are for the same models before the upgrade:

Reload Volvo XC90 T8 - 310 + 145 km: 5,4 s (5,8 s)
Reload Volvo XC60 T8 - 310 + 145 km: 4,9 s (5,5 s)
Reload Volvo XC60 T6 - 253 + 145 km: 5,7 s (5,9 s)
Reload Volvo V90 T8 - 310 + 145 km: 4,8 s (5,2 s)
Reload Volvo V90 T6 - 253 + 145 km: 5,5 s (5,5 s)
Reload Volvo S90 T8 - 310 + 145 km: 4,6 s (5,1 s)
Reload Volvo V60 T8 - 310 + 145 km: 4,6 s (4,9 s)
Reload Volvo V60 T6 - 253 + 145 km: 5,4 s (5,4 s)
Reload Volvo S60 T8 - 310 + 145 km: 4,6 s (4,6 s)
Reload Volvo S60 T6 - 253 + 145 km: 5,3 s (5,3 s)

The range in pure mode, when the car uses only the electric motor, for the S60 T6 and T8 has increased from 56 to 91 km, for the V60 T6 and T8 from 55 to 88 km. For S90 - from 60 to 90 km, for V90 - from 58 to 87 km. For SUV models, these figures increased from 53 to 79 km for the XC60 and from 50 to 68 km for the XC90. CO2 emissions per kilometer range from 1 to 18 g for the S20, V60, S60 and V90 models. The XC90 model has a value of 60 g CO24/km and the XC2 model has 90 CO29/km.