Volvo ups the battery size

Volvo has upgraded the technology in its plug-in hybrid 60 and 90 series to offer improved driving range while in the pure electric mode. The main improvements include a new longer-range battery, featuring a third layer of cells to increase capacity from 11.6 to 18.8kWh, and a more powerful rear electric motor now delivering 143bhp.

The latest powertrain sees a driving range between charges extended to a projected 56 miles, which is more than enough to cope with the UK’s average journey to-and-from work of 31 miles. This should allow the average motorist to commute using the battery pack alone. The battery boost means a combined power output of 356bhp for Recharge T6 editions and 449bhp for Recharge T8 models, making the latter the most powerful Volvo cars every made. The new powertrain is available to order now on all models that sit on the SPA (Scalable Product Architecture), including the S60, S90, V60, V90, XC60 and XC90. The first deliveries will occur later this year.