Like many other major auto brands, Volvo is breaking into the electric vehicle market and has new hybrid vehicles releasing. The current Volvo EV, the XC40 Recharge, was released this year. As the company continues to innovate, more EVs and hybrids are imminent — whether Volvo improves a current model or develops a new concept entirely.
The XC40 Recharge, which has only been out a year, is one of many upcoming Volvo electric concepts. Learn more about the latest version’s updates with the 2022 P8. Plus, read on to discover new concepts for hybrids for late 2o22 and beyond. Volvo’s innovation will wow you.
Volvo XC40 Recharge P8
Connectivity and infotainment
The XC40 Recharge P8 comes with an Android-powered infotainment system. The system offers personalization, improved intuitiveness, and new embedded Google like its Assistant, Maps, and Play Store.
It’s also the first Volvo EV to receive larger software and operating system updates over the air. The updated XC40 Recharge P8 continues to evolve and improve over time with these mobile updates.
Powertrain technology
The XC40 Recharge P8 comes with a fully electric all-wheel-drive powertrain with a range of over 400 km on a single charge. The battery can charge up to 80% in 40 minutes on a fast charger.
Safety and driver assistance
With the improved safety standards of the original XC40, this EV redesign reinforces the frontal structure of the XC40 Recharge P8, because of its removed engine. The battery, located in a safety cage extruded aluminum, is embedded in the car’s middle. This placement creates a built-in crumple zone. The centralized floor placement lowers the car’s center of gravity, which helps protect against rollovers. The rear powertrain is integrated into the body structure for better collision forces away from the cabin.
This EV Volvo comes with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS, which is a sensor platform with several cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radars. This platform develops and deploys active safety systems in the vehicle. It can detect other road users, automatically brake, and avoid collisions. This allows for gentle driver support from standstill up to highway speeds with the Pilot Assist function.
The XC40 Recharge has two electric motors and a 75-kWh battery pack. It features an estimated driving range of 210 miles. Pricing starts at around $60,000. This EV is expected in early 2022.
Volvo XC90
Connectivity and infotainment
The XC90 has a touch-screen interface that combines car functions, navigation, connected services, and infotainment. The portrait-oriented touch screen simplifies ease of use and includes smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Powertrain technology
This plug-in hybrid features Volvo’s Drive-E powertrains, including gas variants and a RechargeT8 engine with all-wheel drive that delivers 407 HP. It’s also available with a range of 48-volt mild hybrid variants on gas and diesel powertrains.
Comparable to a high-performance, low-emission gas engine, the Volvo XC90 PHEV’s electric motor delivers power on demand with ultralow CO2 emissions and over 40 km of pure electric range.
Safety and driver assistance
The XC90 has Volvo’s top-of-the-line safety features, as the company uses boron steel, alongside safety systems designed to protect people inside and outside its vehicles. Volvo’s City Safety technology combines automatic braking and collision avoidance systems to protect drivers and passengers in many situations. City Safety is the only system on the market that detects pedestrians, bicyclists, and large animals. The Pilot Assist system works up to 130 km/h on clearly marked roads.
Design, pricing, and release date
You can order this Volvo PHEV with different seating configurations, from the seven-seat family SUV to a five-seat layout. You can also choose leather-free options and personalize the steering wheel and driving shaft. The Volvo XC90 is slated for release in late 2022, with no pricing announced as yet.
Volvo XC60
Connectivity and infotainment
The Volvo XC60, another upcoming PHEV from the Swedish automaker, comes with an Android-powered infotainment system with built-in Google apps and services. Its intuitive, next-generation system offers customers unparalleled personalization and connectivity, enhanced through the Digital Services package. The centerpiece of the Digital Services package is access to Google apps and services, which provides hands-free assistance with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play.
Powertrain technology
Volvo’s Drive-E powertrains control the XC60. It’s available with a range of 48-volt mild hybrid variants, as well as a RechargeT8 all-wheel-drive PHEV that delivers as much as 407 HP. The mild-hybrid technology offers 15% fuel savings and emission reductions in real-world driving.
Safety and driver assistance
Like the XC40 Recharge P8, the XC60 comes with Volvo’s ADAS sensor platform, which detects other road users and uses automatic braking and collision avoidance. It allows for subtle driver support from standstill up to highway speeds with its Pilot Assist function.
Design, pricing, and release
The XC60 features the classic Volvo styling cues like the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design. There’s a new exterior design with grille, front bumper, and color and wheel option updates. Inside, natural materials and new details appear on the driver display. New interior materials include leather-free options and the City Weave textile upholstery.
As of this writing, the Volvo XC60 isn’t slated for release until 2024. It’s still in concept mode, meaning many of these features may change, including the release date. This Volvo PHEV isn’t yet priced, and many design details are in flux.
