Volvo is to turn its Polestar unit into a global standalone brand for higher-performance electric vehicles (EVs) as it sets its sights on creating a Tesla rival. With its product and commercial plans to be revealed in the autumn, Polestar’s brand will now be placed at the same level as that of Volvo, and its
Stricter nitrogen oxide emissions regulations mean an end to diesel-engine development. Volvo Cars has come down with a case of electric fever, and the cure is “no more diesel engines.” The company’s CEO, Håkan Samuelsson, recently told German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that Volvo’s current diesel engines may well be the last of their kind.
Plug-in hybrid version of our Car of the Year hits Britain Verdict: 4 stars The XC90 T8 is a technological showcase for Volvo, and the way it drives hasn’t been compromised at all. But like other plug-ins, you’re only going to make the most of its efficiency by charging it from the mains. While it’s
Surprised at the interest in its new plug-in XC90, Volvo could roll out more [plug-in] hybrids than planned Plug-in hybrid tech could have more of a role to play than first expected as Volvo looks to increase UK sales from 45,000 to 60,000 in the next four years. Volvo UK managing director Nick Connor told
By the end of this year, there will be several luxury SUV models offered in the U.S. with plug-in hybrid powertrains that let them run 12 to 20 miles on electricity alone. We’ve now driven one of them, the 2016 Volvo XC90 T8 “Twin Engine” model, which will go on sale this fall. And based
Last year marked a big breakthrough for electric cars; the majority of major manufacturers invested heavily in developing electric drive-trains and subsequently added an array of appealing battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models to their rosters. By the end of 2014 there were over 17,000 plug-in cars and vans on UK roads with that
The year 2015 will see the strengthening of the market for electric vehicles (EVs); both pure electric and plug-in hybrids. With over 17,000 EVs already on UK roads, Next Green Car forecasts almost 40,000 will be in use by the end of the year. New low emission petrol and diesel models will also be launched
Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid runs 0-62 in 5.9 seconds, will get 59 MPGe Volvo has shown us the new XC90. It’s even shown us its new every-trick-in-the-book twin-charged hybrid powertrain. It just hasn’t shown the two together… that is, until now. Although the High Performance Drive-E Powertrain prototype it showcased a couple of months ago
Best cars and options explored The future of driving appears to be electric, with Formula E in full effect, supercars adopting hybrid drive systems and range getting further all the time. Fuel powered engines may have their days numbered. But is it time to make the change to electric? Now that the big car manufacturers
What is it? The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid sports a 212bhp 2.4-litre turbodiesel driving the front wheels and a 69bhp electric motor driving the rears. It can travel up to 31 miles in pure electric mode. In Ehybrid mode, the diesel and electric motors combine to deliver the most efficient progress. Or if you’re feeling
