The Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid SUV: The Complete Guide For India

---

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Instagram

---

Electric Cars: The Basics

---

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

---

Sign up to the newsletter

---

The Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid SUV

---

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:

• C40 Recharge Pure Electric Crossover
• EX30 Pure Electric SUV
• EX90 Pure Electric SUV
• XC40 Recharge Pure Electric SUV
• XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
• XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
• XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
• S60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Saloon
• S90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Saloon
• V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Estate
• V90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Estate

The Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) concept was unveiled in 2012 at the North American International Show. The second generation was unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The electric vehicle (EV) had a facelift in early 2021.

The premium mid-sized XC60 Recharge PHEV was further updated in late 2021, offering a more compelling value proposition for private and company-car drivers. The onboard EV battery was increased to 18.8 kWh, improving its zero-emission electric range up to 78 km (WLTP certified) for the T6 plug-in hybrid variant. The T8 PHEV can deliver up to 74 km.

Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) should comfortably deliver an emission-free pure electric range over 60 km, putting it in the class-leading bracket! For those new to electric driving, it is worth noting that many factors influence the real-world electric car range. Some of these include: driving style, temperature, elevation, wind, rain, road surface, tyres, onboard services used etc.

Taking advantage of the EV range will also require inculcating a habit of charging the EV on a regular basis, which is as easy as charging a smartphone. We at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug for charging an electric car. A ‘topping up’ approach to charging will help improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle and also improve the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Volvo offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.

Despite the updates, it is disappointing to note that the XC60 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.

Also improved is the efficiency of the EV. Volvo claims a fuel economy up to 1.0 l/100km. Of course, similar to the real-world electric range, the real-world fuel economy will be impacted by a number of factors. Bottom-line, achieving anywhere close to the manufacturer claimed economy, the use of the pure electric mode on a regular basis, will be key.

Having said that, the XC60 plug-in hybrid will deliver a better fuel economy, compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant, if indeed the e-mode is used regularly.

In terms of practicality, cabin space, interior quality, standard equipment, safety features and technology, the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid proposition is also compelling. The EV offers ample headroom, legroom and even boot space (468 L), despite the placement of the onboard EV battery.

Also on offer are: Google built in, advanced air purifier, head-up display, intelligent safety assistance, blind spot information system, 360° parking view and more.  It also offers partially recycled carpets and leather free upholstery.

The all-wheel drive Volvo plug-in hybrid is available in the T6 and T8 powertrain. The EV pairs a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor (107 kW). The T8 variant delivers 455 hp and the T6 delivers 253 hp (350 Nm torque). The top speed is 180 km/h.

The EV has claimed tailpipe emissions up to 25g CO2/km. Again, substantially lower than the emissions of the conventional petrol variant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!

The Volvo plug-in electric car is not available in India.

---

PROS	CONS
Good EV battery size and emission-free electric range	Higher trim level expensive
Practical for families	Boot space not class-leading
Good level of standard equipment and safety features	Not capable of DC charging. Onboard charger limited to 3.6 kW

---

The Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid SUV (credit: Volvo)

---

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

---

Trims (1 Option)
Volvo XC60 Recharge (Rs N/A)

---

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:	25g – 23g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

---

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

---

Dimensions
Height (mm):	1651
Width (mm):	2117
Length (mm):	4708
Wheelbase (mm):	2865
Turning Circle (m):	11.4
Boot capacity (L):	468

---

Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Plug-in Hybrid
EV Battery Capacity:	18.8 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	78 km
Electric Consumption (kWh/100km):	19.3
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	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):	107 kW
Horsepower (hp):	253
Torque (Nm):	350
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg):	2,660
Colours:	4
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

---

Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

---

“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

---

Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

---

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe. A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

---

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

---

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine.

With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety! Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres. No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

---

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

---

Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV. Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station).

In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars. MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.

The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

---

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

---

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe. It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

---

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.

---

Related articles

---