IT’S worth noting that in 2016, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) marked a milestone as Malaysia was the first market to locally assemble the XC90 PHEV outside of Sweden, paving the way for the local assembly of other Volvo PHEVs.
In February 2021, VCM also became the first automotive brand in Malaysia to offer a full range of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) for all its models.
VCM is committed to bringing greater awareness of the current climate challenges to Malaysians and aims to become a leader in sustainability in the automotive industry through its product offerings, business operations, and local initiatives.
This aligns with the Volvo Car Group’s global ambitions – to be a fully electric car company by 2030.
Also, by reducing emissions across its entire value chain, the group aims to be a climate-neutral entity by 2040.
In recognising that electrifying its fleet is not enough in the pursuit of becoming climate-neutral, the group is using greater climate-neutral energy in both its own operations and among its suppliers, as well as making better use of materials and components.
Additionally, Volvo Car Group aims to reduce its lifecycle emissions per vehicle by 40% by 2025.
With Volvo plug-in hybrids or PHEVs, motorists can check out electrified mobility without worrying about charging points along the way.
Volvo PHEVs deliver a powerful, responsive drive with smooth, quiet acceleration and allow drivers to go on long-distance trips with reduced tailpipe emissions.
PHEVs come with regenerative braking (energy created when braking, is stored in the car’s battery), allowing one to drive more sustainably and economically.
PHEVs give owners a choice between the electric motor and internal combustion engine – or both at the same time – thus optimising the performance, range and fuel consumption.
“By complementing its fully electric ambitions with a transitional hybrid range, Volvo gives more drivers the opportunity to take their first step towards electrified mobility while alleviating the concerns of low-battery life during their journeys,” stated VCM.
The Volvo PHEV range includes the XC60 Recharge and the XC90 Recharge sports utility vehicles (SUVs), on top of the Volvo S60 Recharge and Volvo S90 Recharge sedans and the Volvo V60 Recharge estate.
In 2022, Volvo Cars introduced newly improved powertrains to all its PHEVs, giving these cars a long-range battery of 18.8kWh and an increased all-electric range of up to 90km.
The extended range means owners’ daily commutes can be fully electric with petrol purely as a backup or for longer weekend trips and interstate travel.
PHEVs can be charged via a charging box at home, or anywhere via an ordinary 3-pin power outlet.
XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate
The Volvo XC90 Recharge is VCM’s first luxury PHEV in Malaysia, with seating for up to seven people.
There’s abundant power with a T8 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with e-boost, and a combined output of 462hp and 709Nm of torque, mated to a smooth shifting 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.
With electric all-wheel drive, the XC90 Recharge performs with agility while delivering an all-electric range of 77km (NEDC data).
It takes three hours to charge from 0 to 100% with 3.6kW AC charging 1-phase 16A power supply.
XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate.
Meanwhile, safety features include the Lane Keeping Aid where at speeds above 65kph, and you’re about to cross a lane marking without using the indicator, the car will gently steer you back into the lane.
If the steering intervention is not enough or you keep steering across the lane markings, you’ll be alerted by vibrations in the steering wheel.
Also, Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Cross Traffic Alert provide support in heavy traffic and when reversing.
When a vehicle enters your blind spot or approaches fast from behind, you can be alerted via a light in the door mirrors.
Should you nonetheless drift into the path of another vehicle, your car can help steer you back into your lane.
To help make parking safer, it can also alert you on crossing traffic when you reverse out of a parking space with limited rear visibility.
It can even brake for you if there’s a risk of collision.
Meanwhile, Volvo’s intelligent safety assistance technology can help you detect and avoid other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.
The XC90 is made for the family, with ISOFIX mounting points for child seats and Integrated Booster Cushion technology for better safety.
It’s worth noting that the XC90 won the 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety in the United States.
Features also include an Android-powered infotainment system with a 9-inch portrait integrated colour touchscreen, a Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system with 19 speakers (1410W output), active chassis air suspension, panoramic sunroof and 20-inch wheels, and Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play built-in as well as Apple CarPlay.
The XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate is priced at RM432,888 without insurance and comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, an eight-year or 160,000km warranty on the PHEV battery.
XC60 Recharge
The latest 5-seater Volvo XC60 Recharge is a dynamic PHEV midsize SUV, with refreshed design details and Google built in, and shares the same powertrain with the XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate.
There’s also all-wheel drive and an all-electric range of 81km (NEDC data).
XC60 Recharge.
Like the XC90, it has a raft of high-tech safety features and advanced driving assist systems.
These include City Safety (the umbrella name for all of Volvo Cars’ auto brake functions) with features such as Collision Avoidance & Mitigation with Intersection Support Pedestrian, Cyclist & Large Animal Detection with Steering Support and Braking.
There’s also Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist, Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) with Auto Brake as well as Adaptive Cruise Control, and Pilot Assist (helps the car to keep within lane markings).
Premium kit includes a clean zone interior air quality system with PM2.5 sensor and a 360-degree surround view camera.
The XC60 Recharge also shares the same Android-powered infotainment system and Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system with the XC90.
The XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate is priced at RM355,888 without insurance and comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and an eight-year or 160,000km warranty on the PHEV battery.
XC60 Recharge.
If you’re considering a transition to electric, buyers of a new Volvo hybrid electric vehicle (XC60 Recharge and XC90 Recharge) can receive a promotion package worth almost RM20,000.
The promotion package, which runs from now till September 30, 2023, includes:
> VSP (5-year Volvo Service Plan) worth RM12,900 which is a comprehensive car service package that covers your first five car services including wear-and-tear items and labour costs, free software updates, and vehicle health checks.
> Free car insurance for the first year worth RM7,000.
To check out the Volvo PHEVs, you can head to the Centre Court at the StarCarSifu Auto Show 2023 in Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur from August 9 to 13 (10am–10pm daily).
Visit Volvo Car Malaysia website for information on the company and its products.
