The Volvo V90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid (Estate): The Complete Electric Car Buying Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Volvo V90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid Estate

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Sweden has created its fair share of global brands, but none with a reputation as good as Volvo Cars, when it comes to passenger safety. Volvo cars is an automotive manufacturer based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Volvo Group has a long history of success and was established in 1927. The Volvo electric vehicle (EV) current portfolio includes:

• All-electric Volvo C40 Recharge (BEV)
• All-electric Volvo EX90 (BEV)
• All-electric Volvo EX30 (BEV)
• All-electric Volvo ES90 (BEV)
• All-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge (BEV)
• Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
• Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
• Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
• Volvo S60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
• Volvo S90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
• Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
• Volvo V90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

The Volvo V90 conventional petrol and diesel variant has been available since 2016. It made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016. The conventional V90 received a facelift in early 2020. As with other Volvo models, the company has also introduced the V90 as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

The update Volvo V90 Recharge PHEV has much to offer families and company-car drivers seeking a practical and spacious electric vehicle (EV). The upgrade of the onboard EV battery to 18.8 kWh has positioned this estate electric car, as one of the few EVs capable of delivering a real-world emission-free electric range close to 80 km.

Volvo claims a pure electric range up to 86 km (WLTP certified), however, the real-world EV range will be closer to 75 km. Nevertheless, it is an impressive and certainly very useful EV range to reduce the cost of motoring. Do keep in mind that driving an electric car is far cheaper than driving a conventional petrol or engine car.

Moreover, using the electric mode, also improves the overall efficiency of the electric vehicle. Volvo claims a fuel economy up to 1.0 l/100km for the estate PHEV. Of course, the real-world fuel economy will be lower, but far improved compared to the fuel economy of the petrol variant.

Despite the updates, it is disappointing to note that the PHEV does not offer DC charging. The EV has a 3.6 kW onboard charger. The Volvo electric vehicle can be charged 0% to 100% via a dedicated EV charging station in 5 hours. We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way, EV range is available to use and regular charging also improves the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Volvo offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.

Despite the placement of the onboard EV battery, practicality has not been compromised, in comparison to the conventional petrol variant. The V90 plug-in offers a 551 L boot and ample space for passengers. The interior has been finished to a high standard and offers leather free upholstery and recycled carpets.

It also offers a generous level of standard equipment, safety features and technology. These include: google built in, 360° camera, BLIS and cross traffic alert, keyless entry and keyless start, advanced air purifier, intelligent safety assistance and more.

Also improved are the tailpipe emissions for the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The V90 PHEV has tailpipe emission up to 20g CO2/km, benefiting the local air quality. The conventional petrol variant has tailpipe emissions up to 158g CO2/km.

The all-wheel drive V90 plug-in electric estate car combines the T6 powertrain with an electric motor. The EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds (350 hp). The top speed of the EV is 180 km/h. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Volvo PHEV is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Very useful zero-emission electric range	DC charging capability not available
Interior quality and cabin space good	Onboard charger limited to 3.6 kW
Good performance and refined drive	Only available in T6 powertrain

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The Volvo V90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid Estate (credit: Volvo)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	Estate
Engine:	Electric/ Petrol
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
Volvo V90 Recharge (Rs N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 18.8 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.6 kW AC (0% – 100%: 5 hrs)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	20g – 19g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1478
Width (mm):	1895
Length (mm):	4945
Wheelbase (mm):	2941
Turning Circle (m):	11.4
Boot Space (L):	551

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Volvo V90 T6 AWD plug-in hybrid
EV Battery Capacity:	18.8 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	86 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	18.0
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	0.8 – 1.0
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.6 kW AC (0% – 100%: 5 hrs)
Top Speed:	180 km/h
0-100 km/h:	5.6 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Horsepower (hp):	350
Torque (Nm):	350
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg):	2,610
Colours:	8
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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Electric Driving: Top 5 EV Jargons For India

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Despite the increased visibility of EVs in India, the vocabulary (jargon) used in electric driving is still new to consumers. In fact, for many, it can seem daunting and confusing. We have therefore put below some of the more commonly used terms in the EV glossary, to give you an easier introduction to electric driving in India!

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EV Glossary: Top 5
Regenerative Braking:	Driving at all times requires braking. However, on more densely populated roads, the frequency and intensity of braking increases. Yes, it does result in longer journeys, but also reduces the efficiency of the vehicle. Regenerative braking is process of capturing energy otherwise wasted during braking. According to the rules of physics, energy cannot be destroyed, instead it simply transfers from one state to another. The same principle applies to braking. The kinetic energy that propels a car forward is usually displaced or wasted as heat. Regenerative braking captures this kinetic energy that in turns recharges an on board battery, increasing both efficiency and range. Cars like Toyota Prius, Jaguar I-PACE and Tesla Model 3 use regenerative braking.
What is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging?	V2L charging is a bidirectional functionality allowing an electric vehicle (EV) to use its onboard high-voltage EV battery to charge or power devices/ appliances. It is also sometimes referred to as Vehicle-to-Device (V2D). Depending on the type of device/ appliance that needs to be charged or operated, V2L can be used while the EV is moving or parked. As an example, a laptop can be charged or used when an EV is parked or moving, while a lawn mower can only be charged or used when the EV is parked. V2L is a less complicated technology, compared to V2G, which requires interaction with the National Grid. V2L does not interact directly with the grid infrastructure. V2L cannot be used for powering your home or office.
What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)?	V2G is an innovative bidirectional technology that allows the onboard EV battery to be charged and discharged i.e. electrical energy to be exported/ discharged from the onboard EV battery to the grid via a V2G compatible EV charger. It also allows for vital informational flow (data) to the grid. In effect, the V2G technology allows an EV battery to be used as a grid-connected energy storage unit.
One-Pedal Driving:	What is one-pedal driving? In one-pedal driving, the EV slows down or stops, when the pedal is released. One-pedal functionality reduce the need to use the brake pedal, for speed reduction or stopping. Of course, the brake pedal is still the best way to hold a vehicle in place at a complete stop.
WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure):	In a bid to continue to improve the quality of realistic data released by automotive manufacturers, on economy, range and CO2 emissions, Europe has implemented its first phase for the WLTP program. The testing procedures under WLTP will result in reduced ranges for electric cars released under other previous testing regimes. The WLTP is seen as a significant improvement over the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) designed in the 1980s and based on theoretical driving. The WLTP has been developed with the aim of becoming a global standard, so that cars can be easily compared between regions.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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