The popularity of the plug-in hybrid has increased sharply in the last year and for good reason. Volvo has been active in this field for more than ten years and in addition to the arrival of more and more fully electric models, the plug-in hybrid fits within the strategy of electrification. The Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain of the Volvo 90 and 60 series models received an improved powertrain with a larger battery.
Many of the daily trips we drive are no longer than 30 to 70 kilometers. Sometimes the trip or journey is a lot longer. To distant relatives or on vacation. This is possible with a fully electric car, but also with a plug-in hybrid. This allows you to drive almost all kilometers during the week electrically and for longer distances, the petrol engine provides a large range. It is still assisted by the electric motor and therefore consumes very little fuel.
Between 70 and 90 kilometers electrically
So you could say that the plug-in hybrid combines the best of both worlds and it is therefore not for nothing that 1 in 5 plug-in hybrids sold in the Netherlands is a Volvo. Volvo has no fewer than 15 different plug-in hybrids in its range. The latest version of Volvo’s hybrid powertrain is good for an electric range of between 70 and 90 kilometers on a single charge. With a charging point at home and possibly at work, the daily kilometers can be covered almost completely electrically and therefore emission-free.
Braking is charging
The new, larger battery of the Volvo 90 and 60 series has a capacity of 18.8 kWh and supplies its energy to a 107 kW/145 hp engine on the rear axle. Charging is done via a regular socket, wallbox or charging station. But also while driving and especially when braking. The electric motor that provides the drive works as a dynamo and brakes as soon as the driver releases the gas. In this way it is possible to drive with only one pedal, braking is almost never necessary and you gain electric kilometers with it.
More traction and safety, less road load
The combined power of the electric motor and the fuel motor is impressive. For the Recharge T6 this is 257 kW/350 hp and for the Recharge T8 even 335 kW/455 hp. The new electric motor delivers more power to the rear wheels, further improving 4WD capabilities. Driving off on muddy or snowy surfaces and towing a heavy trailer is easier and driving on slippery roads is even safer. The low CO2 emissions have the advantage that the owner of a plug-in hybrid only pays half of the regular MRB rate.
Do you want to know more about Volvo’s plug-in hybrids? Then read on here.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl