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Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrids get big range and power bumps

Volvo's plug-in hybrid powertrain is getting a significant upgrade for 2023, resulting in all its 90- and 60-series Recharge models effectively doubling their electric range and becoming eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit.  A new rear electric motor now delivers 143 horsepower from 87 hp, resulting in a combined output of 455 hp and 523 pound-feet of torque. That's a significant bump from the previous 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. These changes apply to the Recharge versions of the XC90, S90, XC60 and S60, plus the Polestar Engineered trim levels of XC60 and V60.  Below are the new electric ranges for each of the Volvo Recharge models. Their previous ranges are in parentheses. S60 Recharge: 41 miles (22) V60 Polestar Engineered: 41 miles (22) XC60: 35 miles (19) XC60 Polestar Engineered: 35 miles (19) S90 Recharge: 38 miles (21) XC90 Recharge: 35 miles (18) These range increases are the result of a new long-range battery pack featuring a third layer of cells. This brings total capacity from 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh.  There are other advantages, as well. The XC60 and S90 Recharges will now be capable of one-pedal driving, whereby regenerative braking is so strongly applied that the car effectively does most of the braking for you. This is already available on Volvo's fully electric models, and although it will initially be available only on the XC60 and S90, Volvo told Autoblog that the others will eventually get it. When exactly? Volvo did not elaborate.   Volvo says the increased battery capacity will improve performance in extreme cold and heat. It will also allow for pre-heating and pre-cooling the car, even when unplugged, without reducing all-electric range.  Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2020 Volvo S60 T8 driver assist systems

Volvo still undecided on offering plug-in hybrid versions of all models

The automotive world is only a few months away from getting its first real glimpse at Volvo's big gamble with the unveiling of the next-generation XC90 (pictured above as the Concept XC Coupe). We're already getting a preview of the revolutionary upgrades with the introduction of the Swede's Volvo Engine Architecture family into some of its 2015 models, like the recently driven S60. These changes are just the start, though. The real magic could be in the powertrains.
Dean Shaw, Volvo Cars North America vice president of corporate communications hinted to Autoblog a few months ago that every model sold in the US could come in a plug-in hybrid variant, starting with the new XC90. Despite confirmation rumors that this has now come to pass, Shaw told AutoblogGreen that the only thing Volvo is confirming right now is that the platform is capable of that. "We haven't confirmed that all US Volvos would be available with PHEV," he said.
Shaw did confirm that that XC90 will come with a gas and plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers "around 400 horsepower." According to Plugin Cars, the new XC90 will be unveiled in August and will make its public debut at an as-yet-unnamed auto show in the fall. Also, sometime during the 2016 model year, a plug-in hybrid variant will be added to its lineup.

Chip maker Nvidia adds Volvo to list of self-driving partners

Chipmaker Nvidia Corp announced on Monday it was partnering with Volvo Cars and Swedish auto supplier Autoliv to develop self-driving car technology for vehicles due to hit the market by 2021. Volvo is owned by China's Geely Automobile Holdings. Silicon Valley-based Nvidia also announced a non-exclusive partnership with German automotive suppliers ZF and Hella for artificial intelligence technology for autonomous driving. Nvidia came to prominence in the gaming industry for designing graphics processing chips, but in recent years has been a key player in the automotive sector for providing the so-called "brain" of the autonomous vehicle. The company, whose many partners already include Tesla, Toyota, Ford, Audi, BMW, and tier one supplier Robert Bosch, announced its latest deals at an automotive electronics show in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Nvidia's Drive PX artificial intelligence platform is used by Tesla in its Models S and X and upcoming Model 3 electric vehicles. Volkswagen AG's Audi is also using the system to reach full autonomous driving by 2020. In a call with reporters, Nvidia's senior automotive director Danny Shapiro said carmakers and their main suppliers are now moving away from the research and development phase of autonomous vehicles and into concrete production plans. The system developed jointly by ZF and Hella, and using Nvidia's Drive PX platform, will combine front cameras with radar and software to create technology meeting the Euro NCAP safety certification for so-called "Level 3" driving, in which some, but not all, driving is performed by the car. Volvo is already using the Drive PX for the self-driving cars in its "Drive Me" autonomous pilot program. Volvo's production vehicles built on Nvidia's platform, as announced on Monday, are planned for sale by 2021.Reporting By Alexandria SageRelated Video: Auto News Green Tesla Toyota Volvo Technology Emerging Technologies Autonomous Vehicles nvidia autoliv