The Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid SUV: The Complete Guide For The UK

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Overview

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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. 

Volvo Cars was one of the first mainstream OEM’s to commit to a push towards zero-emission road transportation.  In 2017, the company announced its intention to ‘electrify every car in our range’.  

Volvo is not new to ‘electric propulsion’ and has already deployed a test fleet of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2010 and had launched the first plug-in hybrid diesel cars in 2012.  Volvo Cars Recharge is the sub-brand for all electric vehicles (EVs) developed by the automotive company.  

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
• Volvo 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

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid SUV

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The Volvo XC90 internal combustion engine (ICE) SUV has been available since 2002 and is currently in the second generation. The first generation was unveiled at the 2002 North American International’s Auto Show. The XC90 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has been available since 2015. The e-SUV was given a facelift in early 2021.

The XC90 Recharge PHEV is one of the very few environment-friendly seven-seater family SUVs available in the premium segment. Though the e-SUV does not come cheap, the XC90 plug-in offers a compelling proposition for private and company-car drivers, seeking lower motoring costs and practicality, but, without compromising on quality.

The Volvo electric vehicle (EV) has a 18.8 kWh onboard EV battery, with a WLTP certified zero-emission electric range up to 42.9 miles. Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) should comfortably deliver an emission-free pure electric range over 35 miles.

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, wheel size, 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 100,000 miles warranty.

Despite the premium price tag, it is disappointing to note that the XC90 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. We at e-zoomed recommend charging the EV overnight, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper.

The XC90 PHEV is an efficient vehicle. Volvo claims a fuel economy up to 217.3 mpg. 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 imperative.

Having said that, the XC90 plug-in hybrid will deliver a better fuel economy, compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant, which delivers 32.5 mpg. Of course, if you are driving primarily on motorways and using mostly the combustion engine, the PHEV will deliver a fuel economy closer to the conventional petrol variant.

The XC90 has tailpipe emission up to 29g (CO2/km), benefiting the local air quality. Moreover, company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate for the PHEV, given the lower emissions. In comparison, the conventional petrol variant has tailpipe emissions up to 197 (CO2/km)!

In terms of practicality, cabin space, interior quality, standard equipment, safety features and technology, the Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid proposition is compelling. The 7-seat configuration still offers ample space, headroom and legroom for passengers.

Despite the placement of the onboard EV battery, the boot space available is decent (640 L). 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 XC90 plug-in hybrid is available in the T8 powertrain. The EV pairs a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor. The PHEV can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds. The T8 delivers 455 hp (400 Nm torque). The top speed is 112 mph.

The EV is suitable for both families and company-car drivers. Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate for electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. 

You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!

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PROS	CONS
A practical 7-seat premium plug-in SUV	An expensive PHEV. Cheaper options available
Good fuel economy, if driven regularly on e-mode	Onboard charger limited to 3.6 kW
Low tailpipe emissions	DC charging not available

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The Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid SUV (credit: Volvo)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	SUV
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):	Not Available
Engine:	Electric/ Petrol
Available In UK:	Yes

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£ Variants (2 Options)
Volvo XC90 Recharge Plus (from £76,525)
Volvo XC90 Recharge Ultimate (from £81,925)

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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% in 5 hours)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	29g (CO2/km)
EV Battery Warranty:	8 years or 100,000 miles

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Average Cost Of Residential Charging
Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh	£1.27
Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh	£1.67
Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh	£1.73
Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh	£1.89
Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh	£2.03

• Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/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.

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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

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1776
Width (mm):	2140
Length (mm):	4953
Wheelbase (mm):	2984
Turning Circle (m):	11.8
Boot capacity (L):	640

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Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid
EV Battery Capacity:	18.8 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	42.9 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/62 miles):	21.5
Fuel Consumption (mpg):	217.3
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.6 kW AC (0% – 100% in 5 hours)
Top Speed:	112 mph
0-62 mph:	5.5 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Horsepower (hp):	455
Torque (Nm):	400
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	Up to 7
Doors:	5
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg):	2,980
Colours:	10
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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