// AUTOMOTIVE //
//AUTOMOTIVE //
Bob McHugh, is an Automotive Writer and has been writing car reviews and auto-related stories for over 25 years and is a long time member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
Electrification of Volvo “Recharge” like a savvy Swedish auto maker.
Y
ou might link the word “recharge” with an
The XC60 and XC90 Recharge editions also use a similar
opportunity to unwind and relax … not Volvo.
powertrain. And it’s a very clever example of modern auto
It’s a major step in an ambitious business plan
engineering. A small, high-efficiency (2.0 litre) gas engine, is
to exclusively sell zero-emission passenger
boosted by dual blowers (supercharger and turbo / F1-like) and
vehicles by 2030. Both the XC60 and the XC90
drives the front wheels. The rear wheels are driven by an electric
utility vehicles are now available as Recharge
motor and both power sources can function independently, or
models. These vehicles have plug-in battery charge capability
seamlessly operate in tandem, to provide over 400 horsepower.
and can be driven in a purely all-electric (zero-emission) mode. While they function primarily as hybrid gas/electric, all-wheel-drive The XC60 and XC90 differ substantially in size and seating
vehicles, they can be driven in a rear-drive purely electric mode
capability, yet they’re also look-alike siblings that even share
that can provide an estimated 31 km of driving range. Not a lot, yet,
the same basic (SPA) structural platform. Likewise, when
surprisingly, it did satisfy most of my regular day-to-day, between
you move inside, the family resemblance is undeniable. Yet,
plug-in opportunities, driving range needs. The seamless transition
both vehicles have super-attractive and luxurious cabins, in
to hybrid (gas/electric) operation is barely discernible and combined
that smart, clean-look and purposeful Scandinavian style.
(city/highway) fuel economy is an impressive 8.8 L/100 km.
WWW.CHESTNUTPARK .COM // C H E S T N U T PA R K R E A L E S TAT E L I M I T ED, B R O K ER AG E // WWW.INVESTINST YLE .CA
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