Volvo is well on their way to achieving their goal of making 50% the cars they sell electric and 50% hybrid by 2025. Already, Volvo has five Recharge - or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) - options, with their first all-electric vehicle, the Volvo XC40 Recharge, set to debut soon. Currently, Volvo has two SUV plug-in hybrid options, the XC90 Recharge and XC60 Recharge; two sedans, the S90 Recharge and S60 Recharge; and even a wagon/crossover, the Volvo V60 Recharge. All electrified Volvos still come with impeccable design, innovative technology and safety features, and plenty of power to enjoy the drive.
What exactly is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and how is it different from a hybrid or electric car? The simplest way to put it is that a plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, uses electric energy and gasoline to create power. When the battery is charged, the vehicle can go short distances in full electric mode - great for reducing emissions in the city or when finding parking - but then can seamlessly switch to hybrid gas power once the electric battery gets depleted. Simply Recharge the vehicle at a station or in your own home to use the electric energy again. A hybrid car, on the other hand, pairs a smaller electric battery and gasoline engine to power the vehicle using much less gas. While you never need to plug it in - the gas engine recharges the battery as you drive - most models are not able to run any length in full EV mode and thus cannot ever run on zero emissions. An all-electric vehicle is just that and runs on electricity without any gas engine, creating zero emissions.
The current range of Volvo PHEVs - XC90 Recharge, XC60 Recharge, S90 Recharge, S60 Recharge and V60 Recharge - offer a varying length of full EV mode driving as well as impressive horsepower and fuel economy:
| Model | EV Range | Fuel Economy* | Combined Horsepower |
| Volvo XC90 Recharge | 18 miles | 55 MPGe | 400hp |
| Volvo XC60 Recharge | 19 miles | 57 MPGe | 400hp |
| Volvo S90 Recharge | 21 miles | 60 MPGe | 400hp |
| Volvo S60 Recharge | 22 miles | 69 MPGe | 400hp |
| Volvo V60 Recharge | 22 miles | 69 MPGe | 415hp |
Volvo Recharge vehicles are powered by either a Volvo T6 or T8 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor to maximize horsepower and provide instant torque, often creating more of both than in a typical gas-powered engine. Plus, all of these Volvo vehicles are all-wheel-drive!
The up-and-coming Volvo XC40 Recharge is Volvo’s first all-electric vehicle in the US. It boasts 402 combined horsepower, goes 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, can charge up to 80% in 40 minutes**, and has an EV range over 200 miles.*** Powered by the same P8 engine as the electric Polestar 2, the 2021 XC40 Recharge is a compact SUV with all-wheel-drive and all the luxurious amenities you’ve come to expect from a Volvo. From smart storage spaces tucked throughout the cabin, and a bold, expressive design, to a premium Harman Kardon sound system and complete connectivity with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play Store, the all-electric Volvo doesn’t compromise. The interior of the new Volvo XC40 Recharge is partly made from sustainable material - the carpeting is made entirely from recycled plastic - furthering Volvo’s commitment to reducing environmental impact in production.
Of course, all Volvos come with an impressive suite of advanced safety features, and the PHEV and EVs are no exception. From a 360-degree camera to an advanced Blind Spot Information System and driver-assist alerts, Volvo has you covered. The electric batteries are safely encased in aluminum cages, and all Volvo vehicles have a speed cap of 112 mph. Volvo Pilot Assist smart-cruise-control allows you to use it in both stop-and-go and flowing traffic. You can utilize the Volvo On Call app to pre-heat or pre-cool elements in your Volvo without turning on the gas engine, and you can even share your vehicle with a friend or family member without you being near. Saving time is also more sustainable!
As Volvo moves toward its ultimate goal of climate neutralization by 2040, Volvo will continue to incorporate more sustainable materials and processes across their entire value chain. The next step? Autonomous driving. Be on the lookout for more about the 360 Concept - an electric, fully-self-driving vehicle.
Visit Volvo Cars Walnut Creek in Walnut Creek, California, and learn more about Volvo’s range of plug-in hybrid vehicles and learn how you can be one of the first to own the all-new, all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge. Volvo Cars Walnut Creek offers the full range of new Volvo vehicles as well as a Volvo-certified service center. You can also ask us how you can get a Federal Tax Rebate with the purchase of a plug-in hybrid vehicle!
*All MPGe estimates taken from www.fueleconomy.gov and are combined city/highway EPA estimates.
** Fast charging DC up to 150 kW under optimal charging conditions.
***THIS IS NOT BASED ON EPA TESTING. 208-mile combined driving range rating based on EU WLTP testing under controlled conditions for a new vehicle. Your range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors.