Vovlo Frequently Asked Questions

Two young people walking away from their Volvo XC40

Your Volvo questions answered

With a variety of Mild Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles options now available throughout the Volvo range, we have put together a series of the most frequently asked questions relating to the new generation of hybrid and fully electric vehicles.

What do you want to know about electrification?

Why has Volvo Cars decided to move to electric powertrains?

Volvo has been innovating in the field of electric powertrains since the 1970s. For us this is a natural progression in terms of technology and a clear statement of our commitment towards sustainable mobility and the reduction of emissions. And with our climate initiative “Volvo Recharge”, our vision is to be climate neutral across our full value chain, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

When will all Volvo Cars powertrains be electrified?

Our aim is that all our powertrains will be either mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids or battery electric cars by 2021.

What are the main benefits of an electrified powertrain over a conventional combustion engine?

Electrified powertrains offer a range of benefits – from reducing emissions during driving and likely lower operating costs, to delivering a more refined drive and responsive acceleration feel on take-off.

Aren’t electrified powertrains more expensive than regular petrol or diesel engines?

It depends. Volvo offer a range of electrified powertrains that include mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric cars. Fully electrified powertrains have likely lower operating costs, and falling battery costs makes even more sense to choose an electrified car.

How and where do I charge my car?

Most people charge their cars at home overnight, with a charging wall box in their carport or garage. Others have the possibility to charge their car at work or at public charging stations, which in many areas are becoming increasingly easier to find.

How long does it take to charge the battery?

Charging times will vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition. You will find specific charging times in the technical specifications for each available electrified model.

What do you want to know about pure electric cars?

How long can I drive before I need to recharge the battery?

The battery of the pure electric XC40 Recharge has a nominal capacity of 78 kWh. A fully charged battery gives you a projected range of 259 miles* at mixed driving before you need to recharge. But your real-world range is also affected by your driving style and other circumstances such as outdoor temperature, weather, wind, topography and roads. Other factors that impact range are how much electricity you use for car functions such as heating and cooling of the car. One way to improve range, is to pre-condition your car during charging so it’s already comfortable climatized when you go. You can also add a heat pump that saves valuable energy. But on a daily basis, you will probably fill up the battery whenever the car is parked where charging is possible – be it at home, at work or in the city. So range should not be an issue for everyday driving provided that you have good access to charging.

* Range according to the realistic WLTP and EPA driving cycles under controlled conditions for a new car. Real-world range may vary. Figures are based on preliminary target. Final vehicle certification pending.

What charging times can I expect when recharging at home?

The charging time for the pure electric XC40 Recharged depends on the charging equipment you use and the electric installation at home. The standard charging cable with a household connector is primarily an auxiliary cable and not recommended for regular charging. Charging an empty battery to 80% with this cable takes approximately 30–55 hours depending on market. Or, which is perhaps more relevant: around 7.5–14 km range per hour. For regular and considerably shorter charging times at home, Volvo recommends you complement with a cable capable of up to 3.5 kW or 11 kW charging. These cables give charging times of approximately 18.5–5.5 hours (around 20–60 km range per hour) respectively. But for the most efficient and integrated home charging solution, Volvo recommends the Volvo Cars Wallbox. This powerful 11 kW, 32A installation will give you approximately 5.5 hours charging time (from empty to 80%) or 60 km range per hour. When charging at stations outside your home, the most probable situations are that you will top the battery during shorter periods of time, for example from 40% to 80% (11 kW AC gives around 55–60 km range per hour). And on longer trips, you may charge the car using fast-charging DC stations. At a 150 kW DC charging station you can charge the battery from 10 to around 80% in approximately 40 minutes (or around 100 km range in 10 minutes). Just enough time to take a rest and have a meal.

Please note: Charging times will vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

The cost for electricity varies depending on local conditions, but the cost can be lower compared to petrol or diesel. The lowered fuel cost is also one of several reasons to switch to an electric car. And for even lower costs, you can pre-set the XC40 Recharge to charge at the times when the tariffs are the lowest, often at night.

Can I use a pure electric car for long-distance driving?

Our pure electric XC40 Recharge is perfectly suited for comfortable long-distance driving. And the battery’s high capacity with a projected range of 259 miles* ensures you can do so without worrying about range. If you need to charge during the journey, you can do so at an AC charging station or DC fast-charging station. DC fast charging up to 150 kW makes it possible to charge the battery from 10 to 80% in approximately 40 minutes (or 100 km range in 10 minutes) – just enough time to rest or have a meal during the trip.

* Range according to the realistic WLTP and EPA driving cycles under controlled conditions for a new vehicle. Real-world range may vary. Figures are based on preliminary target. Final vehicle certification pending.

How safe is an electric car?

All battery electric cars undergo the same tests as petrol or diesel cars. In Europe, Euro NCAP has long been the benchmark for car safety. Test have also become even tougher with new demands on, among other things, auto brakes. At Volvo, all cars in the entire model range have received the highest marks in their respective tests. And with the advanced safety technology of the XC40 Recharge, Volvo introduces one of the world’s safest electric cars.

What do you want to know about plug-in hybrid cars?

What is a plug-in hybrid car?

A plug-in hybrid car, also known as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), is a car that uses both a conventional combustion engine and a battery-powered electric motor to provide power to the wheels.

What kind of battery is used in Volvo Cars’ Twin Engine plug-in hybrids?

Volvo Cars is currently using Lithium-ion battery packs in its Twin Engine cars.

What is the pure electric range of a plug-in hybrid car?

Our Twin Engine plug-in hybrids are designed to meet many people’s daily commuting need. Range will of course vary depending upon model, driving style, topography and road conditions. The main benefit of a plug-in hybrid is that you always have the petrol engine as back-up between charges, so range should not be an issue.

How and where do I recharge my plug-in hybrid car?

Most people charge their cars at home overnight, with a charging wall box in their carport or garage. Others have the possibility to charge their car at work or at public charging stations, which in many areas are becoming increasingly easier to find.

How long does it take to charge the battery?

Charging times will vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition. You will find specific charging times in the technical specifications for each available plug-in hybrid model.

What is the difference between a mild hybrid, a full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?

A mild hybrid uses the electric motor to assist the combustion engine. A full hybrid has a larger electric motor and battery than a mild hybrid. A full hybrid can power the car using the electric motor for short distances and recharges its battery using the engine or through regenerative braking. A plug-in hybrid can be recharged by literally plugging it into a home charging station or using a public charging station. A plug-in hybrid offers a greater pure electric range thanks to a larger battery pack and electric motor. A plug-in hybrid will meet the daily commuting needs of many people.

Which Volvo models are available as a Twin Engine plug-in hybrid car?

As from 2019, all our models are available with Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain technology.

What charging cables are available for my Volvo Twin Engine?

Your Volvo Twin Engine plug-in hybrid comes with a standard charging cable that meets high electrical safety requirements (Mode 2). Available in different variants (6A, 8A or 10A depending on market), this 4.5 m cable allows up to 1.4–2.3 kW charging via a household socket. This cable is also available in an optional 8 m variant. For shorter charging times at home, you can complement with a 1-phase 16A “Blue Plug” cable capable of up to 3.5 kW charging. This cable is available as 4.5 m and 8 m. And for a really integrated and easy-to-use charging solution at home, a 3-phase 16A Volvo Cars Wallbox will be available later in 2019. Capable of delivering up to 22 Kw, this powerful Mode 3 home charging station is also compatible with coming generations of plug-in hybrid and pure electric cars.

For convenient and secure charging out of home, there’s also a Mode 3 charging cable 1-phase 16A available as an accessory. This 4.5 m or 8 m cable delivers up to 3.5 kW and is convenient to have on hand when there are no cables at the charging station. For more detailed information, please contact your Volvo car dealer.​

What do you want to know about mild hybrid cars?

What is a mild hybrid?

A mild hybrid is also considered to be an electrified car. Mild hybrids use both a combustion engine and an electric motor to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. They do this by using energy stored in a 48-volt battery that is generated by braking. This energy is then used to boost the combustion engine during start-up and take-off.

Does the electric motor propel a mild hybrid?

No. The electric motor is there to assist the engine and to reduce the amount of work it needs to do.

What is the main benefit of a mild hybrid?

A mild hybrid will offer reduced fuel consumption and thereby lower tailpipe emissions. Mild hybrids also contribute to smooth take-offs and are generally more affordable than full hybrids or plug-in hybrids.

What is the difference between a mild hybrid, a full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?

A mild hybrid uses the electric motor to assist the combustion engine. A full hybrid has a larger electric motor and battery than a mild hybrid. A full hybrid can power the car using the electric motor for short distances and recharges its battery using the engine or through regenerative braking. A plug-in hybrid can be recharged by literally plugging it into a home charging station or using a public charging station. A plug-in hybrid offers a greater pure electric range thanks to a larger battery pack and electric motor. A plug-in hybrid will meet the daily commuting needs of many people.

Still not sure what vehicle to choose, our dedicated sales team are here to help you.

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