Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have often been seen as “bridge technology” to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). With the recent disruption in electrification, crossing that bridge will take longer than anticipated.

This year, Ford, GM, Kia, and Nissan said they’ll increase PHEV production and add PHEV powertrains to their lineups. On the premium side, Volvo already offers a PHEV powertrain on five of its nine models.

If you’re looking to ease drivers into electrification, you could start them in one of Volvo’s mild gas/mild hybrids, move to a PHEV, and then go full BEV. Though not all nine Volvo models have a PHEV option, you’d be able to stay within the familiar Volvo family for the journey. 

I test-drove the 2024 XC60 PHEV and 2024 XC90 PHEV. (Volvo has dropped “Recharge” from its nomenclature and now refers to its MY-25 PHEVs by the engine designation, T8.)

Both models help drivers cross that long electrification bridge with refinement and understated style, with benefits to the environment — if managed properly.

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2024 Volvo XC60 compact luxury SUV has two powertrains: the 247 hp B5 and the 455 hp T8 PHEV with a battery that generates 18.8 kWh of usable energy. The B5 is available in four trim levels, and the PHEV in five.

For those following its inception in 2008, the XC60 underwent its last major redesign in 2018. That’s ok because Volvo’s signature minimalist Scandinavian design stands the test of time. It’s in contrast to Volvo’s competitors’ rapidly changing, look-at-me aesthetic. Volvo has been, and still is, a lifestyle choice.

However, the recent powertrain changes are significant: In 2022 Volvo increased the electric battery capacity in the PHEV model to 18.8 kWh and added a more powerful rear electric motor that delivers 143 hp, up from 87 hp. Total output for the PHEV is now 455 hp and 523 ft.-lbs. of torque.

Volvo doesn’t scream fast. The XC60 PHEV just is fast — zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds, anyone?

For the 2024 model year, Volvo dropped XC60’s turbocharged engine. A boon for drivers in harsher climates, all-wheel drive is now standard. One-pedal driving was added for “Pure” electric mode.

The 2024 XC60 PHEV runs up to 36 miles on the battery. Using both the electric motor and fuel tank will deliver 560 miles of total range for a combined city/highway fuel economy of 63 MPGe (equivalent).

The interior continues the understated yet premium aesthetic with wood and chrome accents. A panoramic moonroof and heads-up display are standard, while upgrades deliver cooled, heated, and massaging seats.

The Android-based infotainment system takes some getting used to (more on that), but once mastered, it controls numerous vehicle settings and functions via voice, allowing hands to remain on the steering wheel.

Driver and passenger space is ample. The rear cargo space is 22.4 cubic feet, roomy enough, but it doesn’t lead the segment. Folding the rear seats yields a total of 63.3 cubic feet.

Volvo’s standard safety suite includes the active and passive systems we now come to expect: collision avoidance, blind spot warning, oncoming traffic mitigation braking, driver alert warning, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic unlocking after a collision. Pilot Assist system with adaptive cruise control is optional.

For the 2025 model year, the XC60 remains unchanged except for a renaming of trim packages.

Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid

Fleet managers will already be familiar with the XC90, Volvo’s midsize, three-row luxury SUV and its volume leader in the U.S. Like the XC60, the XC90 has maintained its understated, timeless style over nine model generations.

Buyers have many XC90 flavors to choose from — 12 trims, six or seven seats, two mild-hybrid powertrains, and the PHEV powerplant, which is available in five trims.

The PHEV has the same 18.8 kWh battery, good for an EPA-rated range of 33 miles in the larger XC90. The total range on gas and electric power is 530 miles, peaking at 58 MPGe.

Do you think the XC60 is fast? On electric power, the XC90 hits 0 to 60 in five seconds. That’s new territory for a three-row SUV. It’s disconcerting at first to launch off the line so quickly, but the power comes in handy if you need it.

The XC90 includes the same safety suite as the XC60 with a few more standard safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Park Assist Rear, and Pilot Assist.

Switching from electric to gas power is barely perceptible for both the XC60 and XC90.

Volvo XC90 Updates for 2025

Volvo recently announced the newest XC90, which will be available in the first quarter of 2025. Changes include extra noise-dampening insulation and an improved suspension that adapts mechanically to current road conditions.

Interior updates include a refreshed dashboard and more illumination, as well as additional storage space in the center console and another cupholder.

The new exterior aligns the XC90 more closely with its new, all-electric sibling, the EX90, which will be released in Q4 2024.

The battery size remains 18.8 kWh, but Volvo announced a range boost from 35 to 43 electric-only miles.

Having listened to user comments about the Android infotainment system, Volvo just announced a new “user experience.” It starts with a larger, higher resolution 11.2-inch infotainment screen available in the 2025 XC90.

The “experience” is an over-the-air software update that reorganizes apps in a more intuitive and flexible layout and will be available for most Volvo models built after 2020.

The PHEV Fleet Value Proposition

Volvo’s PHEV models cost an eyebrow-raising $11,000 to $16,000 more than their equivalent gas powertrains. However, PHEVs have generally better residual values than BEVs, which have recently seen residual value erosion due to uncertainties about charging infrastructure and battery longevity.

Analyzing all of Vincentric’s luxury BEV and PHEV models for the 2024 model year, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid T8 Core ranks 37^th of 139 total variations. The more expensive XC90 T8 Plus ranks 52^nd.  

The PHEV Fleet Challenge

Now to the PHEV management part.

Many PHEV consumer drivers find they can get away with electric-only miles most of the time. On the fleet side, however, sales reps would generally drive substantially more daily miles than the battery’s range. The PHEV then becomes a range extender — and it’s a good one at that.

Any road warrior would appreciate being able to travel 530 miles on the XC90 and 560 miles on the XC60 between gas station stops. Getting 58 to 63 MPGe can help you reach your sustainability goals on the journey to electrification.  

I don’t have a Level 2 charger installed at my house. I plug into an external outlet to “trickle charge,” which delivers the full 33- and 36-mile ranges to the PHEVs overnight. Fleets can avoid the $2,500 home charger installation, removing hassle and cost.  

But plugging in every night to regain that limited range is admittedly a chore. Level 2 home charging overnight can deliver an EV’s full range of over 250 miles, allowing the driver to plug in less frequently.  

You know what I’m going to say next: While it’s any consumer’s choice to lapse on electric power, fleets are buying PHEVs specifically for their sustainability benefits.

Using ICE only, the XC60 is rated at 28 MPG, while the XC90 is 27 MPG. There’s no reason to spend the extra $11,000 to $16,000 more for the PHEV if your drivers aren’t plugging in.

Fleet drivers must consistently charge their vehicles, and fleet managers must exert their influence over their drivers to plug in. This can be dealt with in various ways, such as consistently reinforcing the organization’s sustainability goals, requiring drivers to report mileage from their trip computers, or through telematics.

Whatever the method, fleet managers need to demonstrate that they are maximizing the sustainability value of the PHEV.

An Electric Future

Volvo, like other automakers, is readjusting its electric vehicle rollout plan to match present buying preferences.

Aligning the Volvo XC90 exterior to the all-electric EX90 is by design. The new seven-seater rides on a dedicated electric platform and is expected to deliver 300 miles of range. It can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

The XC90 and all its variations will stick around as long as there’s demand, but ultimately likely to give way to the EX90.