From Ars Technica · · 1m 30s
Volvo's plug-in hybrids finally get a real battery
The 2028 XC60 and XC90 jump to a 37.9 kWh pack, turning the plug-in hybrid into something you can actually drive on electricity.
In brief
The 2028 XC60 and XC90 jump to a 37.9 kWh pack, turning the plug-in hybrid into something you can actually drive on electricity. Volvo's new PHEVs go 73 to 78 miles on electricity alone, enough to cover most people's driving without ever burning gas. Originally reported by Ars Technica.
Gothenburg goes on a refresh spree
A day after revising the XC40, Volvo updated its two biggest sellers: the XC60 and the three-row XC90. The styling tweaks are mild. The powertrain change is not.
“There must be a case of upgrade fever taking hold in Gothenburg.”
Subtle changes outside
The XC60 keeps its Thor's Hammer daytime running lights but now hides matrix LED projectors inside them. The grille is slimmer, with light reworking of bumpers, wings and body panels.
Gemini takes over the dash
An 11.2-inch screen runs Android Automotive with Google's Gemini assistant for conversational voice control. In brief testing it beat the old assistant, which had been getting worse for years.
The battery nearly triples
The 2018 XC60 PHEV had a 10.4 kWh pack and 17 miles of range. The 2023 refresh reached 14.9 kWh and 35 miles. The new T8 carries 37.9 kWh net for 78 EPA miles.
Three days without gas
Volvo says the median US owner drives a 22-mile round-trip commute, so 78 miles covers about three days. Full battery plus full tank gets you 590 miles between stops.
Built in South Carolina now
The XC60 adds a US production line alongside Sweden, a direct response to tariffs. The XC90 T8 gets the same 37.9 kWh pack, good for 73 electric miles.
“This means a path to full electrification for every customer.”
The essence
Volvo's new PHEVs go 73 to 78 miles on electricity alone, enough to cover most people's driving without ever burning gas.
