Volvo Car USA announced that a new Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain is coming to the U.S. in its 90 and 60 Series models, extending electric range while lowering carbon dioxide emissions. The powertrain brings the all-electric range up to an EPA estimated 35-41 miles when driven in pure mode, depending on model, on a single full charge. For those with easy access to charging, this means that the majority of average daily driving can be completed on pure electric power. 

Improvements to the Recharge T8 AWD plug-in hybrid powertrain include a new long-range battery, featuring a third layer of cells to increase nominal energy from 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh, and a more powerful rear electric motor now delivering 143 hp (up from 87 hp). The additional electric power results in a total combined output of 455 hp for Recharge T8 AWD models. Besides the new powertrain, new upgrades include one-pedal drive capability on XC60 and S90 models.

The new e-motor increases the power in the rear wheels by about 65%. Together with the three-layer battery, the upgraded e-motor also enables better all-wheel drive capability which can prove particularly useful at low speeds, when towing, or when driving on slippery roads that demand extra traction and stability.

The suite of upgrades includes the addition of one-pedal drive. The function, already seen on pure electric Volvo models, gives the driver the option of controlling both acceleration and deceleration with only the accelerator pedal. This feature will initially be available on the Volvo XC60 and S90 plug-in hybrids.

The extra battery capacity also allows drivers the ability to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin remotely via the Volvo Cars app while maintaining all-electric driving range.

“For many customers, a plug-in hybrid is their first experience in driving electric,” said Anders Gustafsson, president & CEO, Volvo Car USA, in the statement. “This upgrade will show so many the benefits of an electric future, and serve as a stepping stone on their own journey toward full electrification.”

The new powertrain is introduced on all Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrid models based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which include the Volvo S60, V60, XC60, S90, and XC90 Recharge models. Along with the powertrain improvements, the turbocharged T8 petrol engine is upgraded for higher fuel efficiency and performance. This means higher engine power at low revs and take-off while ensuring a more refined electrified drive with reduced CO2 tailpipe emissions.