Volvo Cars has launched new hybrid variants of its XC60 and XC90 SUVs with significantly extended electric ranges for European and American markets. The updated models feature larger batteries and more powerful motors, aiming to bridge the gap to the company's fully electric future.
Volvo Cars is enhancing its hybrid offerings to appeal to a broader market and generate revenue to fund its transition to all-electric vehicles, a strategy crucial for automakers navigating the evolving automotive landscape.
Volvo Cars has introduced new variants of its popular XC60 and XC90 SUVs, featuring significantly extended electric ranges for the European and American markets. These updated plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are positioned as a crucial step in the automaker's transition towards a fully electric future.
The new models boast larger-capacity batteries (41.2 kWh) and more powerful electric motors, enabling them to achieve substantially longer electric-only driving distances compared to previous versions. The XC60 variant can travel up to 78 miles (125 kilometers) on a single charge, while the XC90 variant can cover up to 73 miles (117 kilometers). These figures, based on preliminary EPA testing standards, are claimed by Volvo to be class-leading for plug-in hybrids in the American market.
Both SUVs will continue to be offered in mild hybrid configurations. The integration of the battery into the vehicle's floor is intended to improve efficiency. The company hopes that the success of these long-range hybrids will help fund its development of future all-electric models.