Volvo PH electrifies its lineup with first plug-in hybrid models

Volvo Philippines officially launches the brand’s first plug-in hybrids in the country. These come in the form of the XC60, S90, and the XC90. The Swedish car company formally launched these T8 twin-engine vehicles through an environmental forum. The forum featured guests from the public and other distinguished guests. The aim of the forum was the pursuit of electric mobility and environmental change.

Volvo’s new T8 Twin Engine powerplants deliver all the benefits of a low emission gasoline engine with the addition of electric motors. These electric motors allow the vehicle to have instantaneous torque when needed. On top of the two powerplant options, the hybrid vehicles also have more than 40 km of pure electric range. 

Each hybrid that was launched has over 400 hp available. Tandem that with electric motors and Volvo says that you can save up to 15 percent more fuel and reduce emissions in real-world driving conditions.

The S90, XC60, and XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid Twin Engine models offer also offer driving modes that suit every occasion. In full power mode, the gasoline engine and electric motors will give it their all and prioritize performance. In electric vehicle mode, only the electric motors will function in order to drive the vehicle. In balanced hybrid mode, the vehicle will swap between using the electric motors, the gasoline motor, or both in order to give you the most fuel-efficient performance. It will also swap between powering the vehicle and charging the battery when needed.

Simply put, a plug-in hybrid lets you charge the battery of the vehicle without having to drive around to charge. It works similar to how you charge your phone. The advantage it has over a normal hybrid is that you can charge the vehicle while it's parked or while you work. It effectively extends the electric range of the car and reduces its running costs. Also, using its all-electric mode often reduces the wear and tear on the gasoline engine.