7:55 am, September 10, 2021
Volvo has introduced a new plug-in hybrid powertrain which improves the electric-only range of many cars in its line-up, the Swedish firm has announced.
The new setup is due to be introduced to Volvo’s 90 and 60 series models and brings a claimed electric range of up to 56 miles on a single charge.
The improvements has been made through through fitting a long-range battery, which incorporates a third layer of cells to increase its energy capacity from 11.6kWh to 18.8kWh.
Volvo has also added a more powerful electric motor which brings a combined power output of 345bhp for Recharge T6 models and 448bhp on Recharge T8 versions – the latter becoming the most powerful Volvo ever produced.
Bosses at Volvo say that the increased battery capacity has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions ‘by up to around 50 per cent’.
Henrik Green, chief technology officer at Volvo Cars, said: ‘It is 2021, and people should no longer have to rely on petrol or diesel when commuting.
‘Our latest plug-in hybrids deliver all the electric driving range needed in most people’s everyday life.’
The new e-motor sends up to 65 per cent of its power to the rear wheels, which Volvo says will help when travelling at low speeds or when towing.
One pedal driving has also been introduced with the new setup.
It gives drivers the ability to control the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle through the accelerator pedal alone.
By lifting off the pedal, drivers can make the car begin to slow itself down through regenerative braking, rather than rolling in a conventional manner.
Thanks to the larger battery, drivers will also be able to pre-heat or pre-cool their cars without having to plug them in.
Thanks to our partnership with @Plugsurfing, we’ll offer our customers a heavily reduced charging price at over 200,000+ Ionity charging points across the EU where they can use the Plugsurfing mobile app to search for and access charging points. Read more: https://t.co/Wt2MMVn70L pic.twitter.com/UwNSw8ysF6
— Volvo Cars (@volvocars) September 2, 2021
Though this will use some of the battery’s charge, Volvo is adamant that it will leave cars with a ‘generous amount of electric range’.
Green added: ‘Driving a plug-in hybrid is often a stepping-stone to going fully electric.
‘We believe that this upgrade will show to many that driving electric is the future, and take us closer to our 2030 ambition of becoming fully electric.’
