Volvo Cars is expected to release long-range plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the XC90 and XC60 in future updates. The plan to continue investments in plug-in hybrids, revealed at the company’s Capital Markets Day 2024, reflects Volvo’s revised strategy to balance electrification with market reality and customer demand.
When it comes to PHEVs, what we have communicated today is that we are taking a pragmatic approach in how to create a balanced portfolio. We have said that we will continue to invest in our very successful PHEVs that we have today, and also continue to upgrade with long-range versions of those.
Erik Severinson, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Volvo Cars, speaking about future model plans, on September 5, 2024
While Severinson did not specify models or timelines, he cited the example of the XC90’s SPA1 platform, which could support future updates. “With relatively small efforts, we think we can keep those cars very competitive for a long time to come,” he added, referencing the refreshed XC90 (confirmed for the U.S. for MY2025.5) revealed that week.
XC60 & XC90 PHEVs are the volume drivers
Susanne Hägglund, Head of Global Offer at Volvo Cars, highlighted its importance at the event. “The XC90, which we revealed a new version of yesterday, has sold to almost a million customers,” she said. “We are continuously upgrading our models to make sure that we have appealing choices for all customers.”
The XC60 will also get long-range upgrades, considering that it’s Europe’s best-selling PHEV. The compact crossover is Volvo’s best-selling model, with the electrified variant contributing the highest to the company’s 117,593 plug-in hybrids sold globally last year.
50-70 miles of Electric range
The XC90 currently offers 32 miles of electric range (EPA-est.). For comparison, the Mercedes GLE Plug-in Hybrid does 49 miles (EPA-est.) from its 23.3 kWh battery. Likewise, the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid offers 35 miles of range, from the same 18.8 kWh battery.
While Volvo didn’t provide estimates, the long-range plug-in hybrid SUVs should be capable of 50-70 miles of EV mode range, without the need for the combustion engine springing into action for most daily commutes.
These long range PHEVs will help the transition for Volvo Cars globally, but perhaps, they are most important in China where the premium electric car transition is taking longer.
Erik Severinson, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Volvo Cars, on September 5, 2024
We’re expecting a combination of a bigger and more advanced battery pack, as well as new, efficient electric motors to help achieve extended range. Customers looking to go fully-electric will have the option of both the EX90 and EX60 starting in 2026.
Competitors with Range Extenders
In the U.S., competitor brands such as Jeep, Genesis, Scout Motors, and Lincoln will introduce range-extender models in the U.S., where the combustion engine acts as a generator to charge the on-board battery, which then exclusively powers the wheels.
Volvo has said that the SPA3, which it sees as a big driver of growth, is designed to be a fully bespoke battery-electric vehicle platform and cannot support a combustion engine. Volvo could think about range extenders on its older platform, but its priority continues to be full electrification in the long-term.
We have options to put in range extenders, our extended PHEVs in the SPA1 and even in the SPA2 architecture. By the time you get to SPA3, you’ve got to be designing for the future. You’ve got to lean into that, and you’ve got to be confident that where you are taking the business, and the SPA3 architecture and beyond is about full electrification. I just want to be clear on that.
Jim Rowan, President & CEO of Volvo Cars, on September 5, 2024, answering a question on range extender platform
Volvo is addressing the uneven global adoption of electric vehicles. Not all countries are moving quickly towards electric cars, so the company has to invest in plug-in hybrids to ease this transition. Volvo still aims to be an all-electric brand by 2030, but the new PHEVs will serve buyers in regions with limited charging infrastructure or heavy reliance on traditional fuels.
Featured image: Volvo Cars
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
