MANY MINDEDVolvo Boosts Plug-in Hybrid Range for 2028 Models
Volvo has increased the fully electric range for its 2028 XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrid models. The XC60 PHEV achieves 124 miles (200 km) of WLTP electric range, while the XC90 PHEV reaches 102 miles (164 km) under the same testing standard. Both vehicles feature a 41.2 kWh nominal battery pack with 37.9 kWh usable capacity, repositioned under the floor in a skateboard configuration. The XC60 PHEV also includes a more powerful motor. These upgrades are part of Volvo’s broader refresh of over 60% of its global vehicle portfolio by sales volume.
The design changes—particularly the battery layout and motor upgrade—directly address range anxiety for plug-in hybrid buyers. By enabling longer electric-only driving without fossil fuel use, these improvements make longer trips more feasible while maintaining the hybrid’s flexibility. The XC90 PHEV’s removal of lidar from the front windshield and over-the-air software updates further support practical usability.
For mobility needs, this means plug-in hybrid buyers can travel farther on electric power before switching to gasoline, reducing reliance on fossil fuels for daily commutes. The change matters most for consumers who want to balance electric driving with practicality without frequent recharging. The 60% portfolio refresh figure is by sales volume, not total vehicles produced.
What to watch: How these range improvements scale with real-world driving conditions and whether the battery configuration supports future model updates. The WLTP range numbers may not reflect actual driving experiences, and the 60% figure is based on sales volume only.
Source: CleanTechnica