Volvo prepares PHEV with 126 km electric-only range

The United States (ANTARA) - Volvo is preparing plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology with an electric range of up to 126 kilometres for the XC60 PHEV, which is set to arrive in 2028. This move is part of the company’s strategy to position PHEVs as a bridge towards fully electric vehicles.

According to CarBuzz, the model aims to address common issues found in most PHEVs, which typically only achieve an electric range of approximately 48 to 64 kilometres. Such limited range often discourages users from charging the vehicle, leading them to rely solely on the petrol engine.

With average daily round-trip commutes in the United States reaching about 66 kilometres, the higher price of PHEVs, and the necessity of managing charging schedules to maximise utility, many users find the process too cumbersome. A battery of this capacity is considered large, nearly approaching the standard battery size found in fully electric vehicles.

With this battery, the XC60 PHEV will boast the longest electric range in the US market. Volvo views PHEVs with extended electric ranges as a vital transition phase for its customers.

“We believe that the PHEV powertrain is the perfect step towards electrification, allowing us to provide the benefits of electric vehicles to customers without range anxiety. Therefore, we believe that customers transitioning to these long-range PHEVs will enjoy a fully electric driving experience and will adapt for eventual use of fully electric cars,” said Olof Landin, Commercial Product Lead at Volvo Cars.

To further assert its ambitions, Volvo recently announced plans to introduce 13 new vehicles as part of what the company describes as its