Volvo's XC90 SUV is set for a third generation, presumably featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
In a recent development, Volvo has confirmed that a new generation of the XC90 SUV will be a long-range plug-in hybrid, marking a departure from the company's initial commitment to go all-electric by 2030 [1][2]. The current XC90, first launched in 2015, received a facelift earlier this year and continues as a plug-in hybrid model [2][3].
Despite the delay in electrification strategies and varying consumer preferences, Volvo remains committed to the production of the new XC90. The upcoming model is expected to boast a longer electric range compared to its predecessor [4]. The XC70, built on a new Geely platform called SMA (Scalable Modular Architecture), could potentially underpin the new XC90 [5].
The XC70 offers two battery options: 21kWh and 40kWh, which is larger than the facelifted XC90's comparatively small battery of just under 15kWh. The technology for the long-range plug-in hybrid is expected to be brought over from China, although it has not been specified for the facelifted XC90 [6].
The new emissions-testing rules for plug-in hybrids, set to take effect at the end of the year, recalculate the CO2 figure, making those with smaller batteries more expensive to tax [7]. As a result, the shorter-range battery of the facelifted XC90 will make it more expensive to tax as a company car.
CEO Håkan Samuelsson has hinted at the development of a new XC90, but no potential launch date has been provided [8]. The EX90 large electric SUV, originally intended as the replacement for the XC90, has not been confirmed as such [9].
As of now, there is no specific launch date announced for the third-generation Volvo XC90 long-range plug-in hybrid. However, the delay in the phase-out of combustion-engined models and the need for longer-range plug-in hybrids for some more years than originally thought [10] suggest that the new model might be some time away.
- Volvo's new XC90, set to be a long-range plug-in hybrid, signifies a shift from the company's earlier pledge to go fully electric by 2030.
- In contrast to the facelifted XC90's relatively small battery of approximately 15kWh, the upcoming XC70 offers larger battery options of 21kWh and 40kWh.
- Amidst the upcoming emissions-testing rules for plug-in hybrids, the shorter-range battery of the facelifted XC90 may lead to higher taxes for company cars.
- Despite hints from CEO Håkan Samuelsson about a new XC90, and the possibility of the EX90 serving as a replacement, no specific launch date has been set for the third-generation Volvo XC90.
