Electric Cars: The Basics
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The Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid SUV
Sweden has created its fair share of global brands, but none with a reputation as good as Volvo Cars, when it comes to passenger safety. Volvo cars is an automotive manufacturer based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Volvo Group has a long history of success and was established in 1927.
Since then the company has had multiple owners, to include the US based, Ford Motor Company. Its current owner is a Chinese automotive behemoth, Geely Automobile, which acquired Volvo Cars in 2010. Geely also owns the automotive brands Lotus Cars and Polestar.
The automotive manufacturer has an ambition to achieve 50% sales from pure electric cars and the remaining 50% from plug-in hybrid electric cars by 2025. The company is also committed to becoming ‘climate neutral’ across the value chain by 2040. The Volvo electric vehicle (EV) current portfolio includes:
- C40 Recharge Pure Electric Crossover
- Volvo EX30 Pure Electric SUV
- EX90 Pure Electric SUV
- XC40 Recharge Pure Electric SUV
- XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
- XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
- XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
- S60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Saloon
- S90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Saloon
- V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Estate
- V90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Estate
The Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) concept was unveiled in 2012 at the North American International Show. The second generation was unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The electric vehicle (EV) had a facelift in early 2021.
The premium mid-sized XC60 Recharge PHEV was further updated in late 2021, offering a more compelling value proposition for private and company-car drivers. The onboard EV battery was increased to 18.8 kWh, improving its zero-emission electric range up to 78 km (WLTP certified) for the T6 plug-in hybrid variant. The T8 PHEV can deliver up to 74 km.
Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) should comfortably deliver an emission-free pure electric range over 60 km, putting it in the class-leading bracket! For those new to electric driving, it is worth noting that many factors influence the real-world electric car range. Some of these include: driving style, temperature, elevation, wind, rain, road surface, tyres, onboard services used etc.
Taking advantage of the EV range will also require inculcating a habit of charging the EV on a regular basis, which is as easy as charging a smartphone. We at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug for charging an electric car. A ‘topping up’ approach to charging will help improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle and also improve the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Volvo offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.
Despite the updates, it is disappointing to note that the XC60 PHEV does not offer DC charging. The EV has a 3.6 kW onboard charger. The Volvo electric vehicle can be charged 0% to 100% via a dedicated EV charging station in 5 hours.
Also improved is the efficiency of the EV. Volvo claims a fuel economy up to 1 l/100 km. Of course, similar to the real-world electric range, the real-world fuel economy will be impacted by a number of factors. Bottom-line, achieving anywhere close to the manufacturer claimed economy, the use of the pure electric mode on a regular basis, will be key. Having said that, the XC60 plug-in hybrid will deliver a better fuel economy, compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant, if indeed the e-mode is used regularly.
Also improved are the tailpipe emissions for the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The XC60 has tailpipe emission up to 25g CO2/km, benefiting the local air quality. Moreover, company-car drivers can also take advantage of the lower emissions.
In terms of practicality, cabin space, interior quality, standard equipment, safety features and technology, the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid proposition is also compelling. The EV offers ample headroom, legroom and even boot space (468 L), despite the placement of the onboard EV battery. Also on offer are: Google built in, advanced air purifier, head-up display, intelligent safety assistance, blind spot information system, 360° parking view and more. It also offers partially recycled carpets and leather free upholstery.
The all-wheel drive Volvo plug-in hybrid is available in the T6 and T8 powertrain. The EV pairs a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor (107 kW). The T8 variant delivers 455 hp and the T6 delivers 253 hp (350 Nm torque). The top speed is 180 km/h.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Good EV battery size and emission-free electric range | Higher trim level expensive |
| Practical for families | Boot space not class-leading |
| Good level of standard equipment and safety features | Not capable of DC charging |
Gallery
The Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid SUV (credit: Volvo)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Petrol/ Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Volvo XC60 Recharge Plus (from € 72,590) |
| Volvo XC60 Recharge Ultimate (from € 79,990) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 18.8 kWh |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.6 kW AC (0% – 100%: 5 hrs) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 25g – 23g (CO2/km) |
| Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | € 2.10 |
| Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | € 2.78 |
| Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | € 2.87 |
| Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | € 3.14 |
| Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | € 3.37 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state-of-charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1651 |
| Width (mm): | 2117 |
| Length (mm): | 4708 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2865 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.4 |
| Boot capacity (L): | 468 |
| Volvo XC60 AWD Plug-in Hybrid | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 18.8 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 78 km |
| Electric Consumption (kWh/100 km): | 19.3 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 1.0 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.6 kW AC (0% – 100%: 5 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 180 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 107 |
| Horsepower (hp): | 253 |
| Torque (Nm): | 350 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (kg): | 2,660 |
| Colours: | 4 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Types Of Electric Vehicles
| Type Of Electric Vehicle (EV) | Description |
| Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) | Mild hybrids use both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor. These cars are also known as ‘self-charging hybrids’. The vehicle uses regenerative braking (recuperated electric energy) to improve the fuel efficiency and to reduce tailpipe emissions (CO2 g/km). However, mild hybrids cannot be charged by an external power source (i.e. EV charger). The recuperated electric energy is also used to boost the the combustion engine enhancing acceleration. Automotive manufactures (OEMs) like Toyota are one of the pioneers in developing and introducing mild hybrid vehicles. The ubiquitous Toyota Prius mild hybrid is an excellent example. Toyota also helped popularise the use of mild hybrids in the premium segment via its wholly owned Lexus brand. |
| Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) | Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) aim to achieve the same objectives like a MHEV i.e. increase fuel efficiency and reduce tailpipe emissions. However there is much difference between a PHEV and a MHEV. The PHEV has a larger electric motor and onboard EV battery that is used to assist the internal combustion engine (ICE), but also to propel the vehicle. In a MHEV, the small onboard electric motor does not propel the vehicle. PHEVs come in varied EV battery sizes, but in general, most PHEVs have an EV battery size below 20 kWh. A plug-in electric car is capable of up to 50 km on electric mode. However, some PHEVs are capable of a longer pure electric range. The Volvo XC60 PHEV is a good example of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Moreover, a PHEV EV battery is charged by using an external power source to include, a domestic 3-PIN plug or a dedicated EV charger. |
| Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) | A battery-electric vehicle is more commonly referred to as a pure electric car. The EV is ‘pure’, in that, the vehicle only uses electric power for propulsion i.e. a BEV does not have an internal combustion engine (ICE). It is easy to recognise these zero-tailpipe emission green cars, as these vehicles are silent (except for the artificial noise) and do not have a tailpipe! The pure electric vehicles have a much larger onboard EV battery compared to a PHEV. The EV battery on a BEV can be as large as 120 kWh, though an average is 60 kWh. In any case, most BEVs have an EV battery larger than 30 kWh. BEVs also use regenerative braking to improve the vehicle efficiency and electric range. However, the main source for the EV range is the EV battery, which can only be charged using an external power source, like an EV charger. BEVs can vary in electric range. However the more recent BEVs have a range between 300 to 500 km (WLTP) on a single charge. As an example, the all-electric VW ID.3 has a range up to 540 km. |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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