Volvo's CEO Admits Current Plug-In Hybrids Are Underwhelming, But Their Future Models Will Feel Like EVs!
It might come as a surprise, but Volvo's top executive, Håkan Samuelsson, isn't exactly thrilled with the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology as it stands today. Despite Volvo being a pioneer in offering PHEV versions across its popular models, Samuelsson believes they're not delivering the efficiency or the customer experience they should. "So far, it's really a combustion car that you added some small battery to be able to drive in cities quietly, but it’s not doing much for economy," he candidly shared. This is a bold statement from a company so invested in this technology!
But here's where it gets exciting: Volvo's next generation of PHEVs are poised to transform your driving experience, making them feel remarkably like pure electric vehicles (EVs). Executives are touting an impressive 100 miles of electric-only range for these upcoming models. Imagine that – the power and smoothness of an EV, with the reassurance of a backup engine for those longer journeys.
But is this just a rebranding of Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs)? Not exactly, and understanding the nuances is key to appreciating Volvo's strategy.
The Frustration with Today's PHEVs
If you've driven a current-generation PHEV, you might recognize Samuelsson's critique. Many of these vehicles feel like gasoline cars with an electric afterthought. Under heavy acceleration or during highway cruising, the gasoline engine often kicks in, leading to a less refined experience. That momentary lag as the engine fires up, engages, and revs can result in a jerky sensation, a far cry from the seamless acceleration of a true EV.
Furthermore, the limited electric range of most current PHEVs – typically 25 to 50 miles – often means the gasoline engine becomes the default for anything beyond a short commute. This reinforces the perception that they are primarily gas cars, with the electric capability as a secondary benefit. It's no wonder that many owners don't consistently plug them in!
A Glimpse into the Future: The Next Generation
Volvo's Chief Strategy Officer, Michael Fleiss, envisions these future PHEVs as "an electric vehicle with a backup engine." The goal is to provide enough electric power and range for the vast majority of driving situations, delivering the quick acceleration that EV enthusiasts crave. With a target of around 100 miles of EV range and a combined range of 500 to 600 miles, these vehicles are designed to minimize reliance on the gasoline engine.
This concept sounds very similar to the growing trend of Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs), like the Scout Motors Terra or the Ram 1500 REV, which offer substantial electric range and are designed to feel like EVs. However, Fleiss clarifies that Volvo's approach will differ slightly.
The Technical Distinction: EREV vs. Volvo's Next-Gen PHEV
True EREVs typically feature an engine that acts solely as a generator for the batteries, with no direct mechanical link to the wheels. While this can be mechanically simpler, it's not always the most efficient for high-speed driving. Volvo's strategy, similar to many successful Chinese automakers, will involve a more traditional PHEV setup where the engine can directly power the wheels when necessary. This allows for greater efficiency, especially at higher speeds, and avoids the potential inefficiencies of solely relying on the engine as a generator.
And this is the part most people miss: While some might call these EREVs, Volvo is sticking to the PHEV designation, acknowledging that the terminology can be confusing. The key takeaway is the experience – it will feel like an EV, with the engine serving as a sophisticated backup.
A Sneak Peek: The Volvo XC70
While not slated for the U.S. market (due to import tariffs), the Volvo XC70 available in China and Europe offers a tantalizing preview. This model boasts an impressive 124 miles of pure electric range and even supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality and DC fast charging. This means you can power your home or appliances with the car's battery and quickly recharge on the go!
The good news is that the underlying technology is indeed coming to the U.S. Volvo's South Carolina factory is confirmed to be producing a future plug-in hybrid model. While Volvo remains tight-lipped about which model it will be, it's guaranteed to offer a significantly more electric-centric experience than current PHEVs.
Fleiss believes these future PHEVs will serve as a "bridging technology," effectively easing drivers into the EV lifestyle. "I strongly believe that when a customer drives such a car, the next car [they buy] will be an electric vehicle, because they will probably charge or fill [their PHEV] three or four times a year with fuel. The rest will be electric," he stated.
What do you think about Volvo's approach to next-generation PHEVs? Do you agree that this is the best way to transition drivers into EVs, or do you think pure EVs are the only way forward? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
