The Volvo V90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid Estate: 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 V90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid Estate

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The Volvo V90 conventional petrol and diesel variant has been available since 2016. It made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016. The conventional V90 received a facelift in early 2020. As with other Volvo models, the company has also introduced the V90 as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

The updated Volvo V90 Recharge PHEV has much to offer families and company-car drivers seeking a practical and spacious electric vehicle (EV). The upgrade of the onboard EV battery to 18.8 kWh has positioned this estate electric car, as one of the few EVs capable of delivering a real-world emission-free electric range close to 50 miles.

Volvo claims a pure electric range up to 53.4 miles (WLTP certified), however, the real-world EV range will be closer to 47 miles. Nevertheless, it is an impressive and certainly very useful EV range to reduce the cost of motoring. Do keep in mind that driving an electric car is far cheaper than driving a conventional petrol or engine car.

A plug-in hybrid driven on zero-emission e-mode can cost as little as 5 pence to 10 pence per mile. There are real financial savings to be gained in electric driving. The EV also benefits from regenerative braking to improve range and efficiency.

Moreover, using the electric mode, also improves the overall efficiency of the electric vehicle. Volvo claims a fuel economy up to 353.1 mpg for the estate PHEV. Of course, the real-world fuel economy will be lower, but far improved compared to the fuel economy of the petrol variant (40.4 mpg).

Despite the updates, it is disappointing to note that the 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 a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way, EV range is available to use and regular charging also improves the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Volvo offers a 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty.

Despite the placement of the onboard EV battery, practicality has not been compromised, in comparison to the conventional petrol variant. The V90 plug-in offers a 551 L boot and ample space for passengers. The interior has been finished to a high standard and offers leather free upholstery and recycled carpets.

It also offers a generous level of standard equipment, safety features and technology. These include: google built in, 360° camera, BLIS and cross traffic alert, keyless entry and keyless start, advanced air purifier, intelligent safety assistance and more.

Also improved are the tailpipe emissions for the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The V90 PHEV has tailpipe emission up to 20g CO2/km, benefiting the local air quality. The conventional petrol variant has tailpipe emissions up to 158g CO2/km. Moreover, company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate, given the lower emissions.

The all-wheel drive V90 plug-in electric estate car combines the T6 powertrain with an electric motor. The EV can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds (350 hp). The top speed of the EV is 112 mph. The plug-in hybrid does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG).

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
Very useful zero-emission electric range	DC charging capability not available
Interior quality and cabin space good	Onboard charger limited to 3.6 kW
Good performance and refined drive	Only available in T6 powertrain

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The Volvo V90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid Estate (credit: Volvo)

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

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Variants (2 Options)
Volvo V90 Recharge Plus (from £62,275)
Volvo V90 Recharge Ultimate (from £68,525)

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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%: 5 hrs)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	20g – 19g (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):	1478
Width (mm):	1895
Length (mm):	4945
Wheelbase (mm):	2941
Turning Circle (m):	11.4
Boot Space (L):	551

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Volvo V90 T6 AWD plug-in hybrid
EV Battery Capacity:	18.8 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	53.4 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/62 miles):	18.0
Fuel Consumption (mpg):	353.1
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.6 kW AC (0% – 100%: 5 hrs)
Top Speed:	112 mph
0-62 mph:	5.6 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Horsepower (hp):	350
Torque (Nm):	350
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg):	2,610
Colours:	8
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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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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