4 minute read
AUTOMOTIVE
Electrification of Volvo
“Recharge” like a savvy Swedish auto maker.
You might link the word “recharge” with an opportunity to unwind and relax … not Volvo. It’s a major step in an ambitious business plan to exclusively sell zero-emission passenger vehicles by 2030. Both the XC60 and the XC90 utility vehicles are now available as Recharge models. These vehicles have plug-in battery charge capability and can be driven in a purely all-electric (zero-emission) mode.
The XC60 and XC90 differ substantially in size and seating capability, yet they’re also look-alike siblings that even share the same basic (SPA) structural platform. Likewise, when you move inside, the family resemblance is undeniable. Yet, both vehicles have super-attractive and luxurious cabins, in that smart, clean-look and purposeful Scandinavian style. The XC60 and XC90 Recharge editions also use a similar powertrain. And it’s a very clever example of modern auto engineering. A small, high-efficiency (2.0 litre) gas engine, is boosted by dual blowers (supercharger and turbo / F1-like) and drives the front wheels. The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor and both power sources can function independently, or seamlessly operate in tandem, to provide over 400 horsepower.
While they function primarily as hybrid gas/electric, all-wheel-drive vehicles, they can be driven in a rear-drive purely electric mode that can provide an estimated 31 km of driving range. Not a lot, yet, surprisingly, it did satisfy most of my regular day-to-day, between plug-in opportunities, driving range needs. The seamless transition to hybrid (gas/electric) operation is barely discernible and combined (city/highway) fuel economy is an impressive 8.8 L/100 km. >>
The Dynamic Scandinavian Plug-in Hybrid SUV. In pure electric mode, your daily commute can be transformed into a more considerate drive with zero tailpipe emissions.
The hand-made “Crystal Eye” gearshift lever knob is an elegant option.
VOLVO XC60 RECHARGE The second generation XC60 is a top-selling mid sized premium SUV in Europe, in large part due to Volvo’s justifiable reputation for making incredibly safe vehicles. And the extensive use of boron steel in XC60’s SPA platform makes it one of the sturdiest passenger vehicles that Volvo has ever built.
Standard on all Volvos, City Safety is a technology that combines automatic braking and collision avoidance to cover a wide range of potential road accident scenarios. While not a unique technology, the Volvo system, as you might expect, goes a step further and can also detect pedestrians, cyclists and even a large animal like a moose or a deer.
The Swedish towns of Kosta and Orrefors are renowned for their glassworks. The hand-made “Crystal Eye” gearshift lever knob, from this region, was a very elegant and “attention getting” optional offering on my test XC60 Recharge. Small Swedish flag tags on the upholstery also removed any remaining doubt as to the origin of my XC60, as Volvo passenger vehicles are produced and assembled in Sweden for most global markets.
“Crystal Eye” gearshift
XC90 Recharge includes air suspension. The smooth and majestic way it allows the XC90 to glide bumps in the highway makes for an enjoyable ride.
Overall advanced comfort and an exclusive crafted interior with plenty of upgrades to choose from. VOLVO XC90 RECHARGE The biggest Volvo and the company flagship, XC90 is a seven-seat utility vehicle. Classic Volvo styling cues include the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design up front. Inside there’s seating for seven. Okay, the third row is a little tight, but totally fine for the kids. Back of that last row seat there’s 447 litres (15.8 cu-ft) of cargo space, which can expand to a whopping 2,427 litres (85.7 cu-ft) with both the third and second row seats collapsed.
The eight-speed (Geartronic) transmission’s electronic shifter (also crystal) requires a double-push (similar to a Porsche transmission) to select either Drive or Reverse. This may seem an odd little trait for those used to conventional automatic transmissions, but you adapt to it fairly quickly and it’s a more efficient transmission design.
Interesting and pricey options on my test XC90 Recharge included air suspension. Price tagged at $2,350, the smooth and majestic way it allowed the XC90 to glide over humps or bumps in the highway, is much harder to put a price on. And for the music connoisseur’s pleasure, there’s a Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound System, at a mere $3,750.
The road to full electrification will be a long one, but there are real benefits right now. Purchasing incentives in the form of rebates or grants, substantially lower operating costs, parking and HOV lane privileges … and helping save the planet from self-destruction. Perhaps it is time to “Recharge.”
volvocars.com
VOLVO XC60 RECHARGE
PRICE FROM: $66,650 to $75,350
HORSE POWER: 400 HP / 415 HP ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery and an 87-hp electric motor
*Vehicle did not use any gasoline during NRC test.
VOLVO XC90 RECHARGE
PRICE FROM: $88,050 to $101,300 HORSE POWER: 400 HP ENGINE: Plug-in hybrid system FUEL ECONOMY: 4.0 Le/100 km* on electric - 8.8 L/100km combined (gas/electric)
