Can The 2019 Volvo S60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid Actually Make It 22 Miles PURELY On Electricity?

( www.TFLcar.com ) According to EPA figures, the 2019 Volvo S60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid can manage 22 miles on electricity alone, but is that an accurate figure on the road? Nathan sets out on a real-world range challenge to find out.
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[@WW-wf8tu]

Cool experiment. Nice work Nathan. You never fail to give viewers a perspective of interest to follow. TFL having you on board is very good for ratings. The echo bit was a nice ending. lol

[@MiguelRPD]

Tesla range with Volvo's luxury interior would be an amazing combo.

[@Hundert1]

What happens when the power goes out and your stuck with dead batteries.

[@afcgeo882]

Google1 User In those instances people use generators. Gas pumps work on electricity as well. What happens to those when the power is out?

[@fl350r]

@@afcgeo882 I go o a different gas station. Do people carry generators in their trunks?

[@afcgeo882]

EricTheNotSoRed You’ve never been in a blackout, have you? No, you don’t go to another gas station. They’re all out of power. People have generators in their homes, which is how you can charge your house and your EV in a blackout.

[@lbnewell23]

Volvo’s polestar 2 answers your needs Also the Volvo xc40 electric is said to go 250 miles which is nearly as far as a Tesla

[@ColeSpolaric]

She won't stop talking, it's like being married. 😂🤣😅😆

[@neilmurphy845]

Ya that was funny

[@James-il3tq]

I'd never buy a turbocharged, supercharged PHEV! Reliability issues written all over that. No way that thing goes 150k miles without major issues.

[@andrecarpy6890]

James I guess this is a car to lease then until it proves to be worthy

[@reesedog918]

I’ve been working as a tech for a Volvo dealership for the past 9 months, and from what I can tell these t8 models hold up pretty well. The gas engines suffer from the same problems as most modern direct injection engines. I.E oil consumption. We are repairing those 2 ways by replacing piston rings or if evidence of cylinder wall scarring replacing the motor. Its rare when it happens to. I’ve seen a lot of Volvo engines 100k+ in mileage with no oil leaks or coolant leaks. Look at any German, Italian, or American vehicle with that mileage and oil leaks are every where. As far as the t8 drivetrain i seen two rear end rebuilds and that’s about it. Granted I’ve only been here for 9 months.

[@josephomole6404]

This is 2019... quality is the way companies compete these days. Some companies are seriously creeping up on Toyota in terms of reliability.

[@g1981c]

yeah if you want reliability you need a toyota / lexus hybrid.

[@g1981c]

@@josephomole6404 yes the system is complex but volvo has been at it longer than some of the competitors who are having more problems currently ...

[@williamcopeland2732]

As you know I really love your channel but on this one I do think you’re missing some key elements. Do me a favor and fill up the gas tank in this car and have somebody drive it for a month, charging at night and at work or whenever level 2 charging is convenient. Drive it as you would any car, experiencing performance occasionally and normal driving the rest of the time. After a few weeks you’ll realize what you have here is a car with exceptional performance, efficiency and convenience. The Plug-in hybrid is difficult to really understand until you’ve driven one for at least 3 weeks. That’s when you begin to notice you haven’t been to the gas station in a while and haven’t made any compromises to drive electric ~80% of the time (assuming you charge it).

[@kennethstagg9520]

Sounds like a great test. Nathan did a good job, though. He talked about the strengths and the advantage of having the gas engine as a backup so you don't need to experience range anxiety. He didn't try to say that just because it only has 20 miles EV range it sucks and should be ignored. So many of the reviewers I see look at something like this and say '400 hp! This is a sports car. I'm going to drive it 100% of the time in power mode and I'm never going to bother recharging it.' Then they wonder why their mpg is lousy. Instead treat it like a nice car that can move when it needs to but can also save you money if you drive it like a nice, family sedan. Nice job, Nathan!

[@2WhiteAndNerdy]

Chevy Volt wants a word...

[@ebels3]

I personally think plug-ins are the best option with the current infrastructure. I would like to see better balance between electric and gas drivetrains, though. The point of hybrids is efficiency, not power. I think a smaller engine and bigger battery would be better. Maybe use a CVT so the car can still get out of its own way.

[@mkotrba2]

"If Tommy was driving, would he have made it? Yeah, probably." LOL

[@chronodriver]

nice Job Nathan, I have a T8 S90 right now and have similar experiences. As you mention it does a good job of being a very quick sedan and an EV without range anxiety. Even if your commute is over 20 miles and you have to kick in the engine a bit you still get really good mileage (which is basis of the MPGe number, it assumes you're starting with a full charge). A 400HP car that gets better mileage than a Prius and has a ton of luxury is a pretty cool combo for todays roads and infrastructure. Speaking of luxury the echo you were hearing is the Gothenburg Concert Hall setting in the truly wonderful Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

[@chrismadson9479]

Im going to be buying an r design t8 S90 next week. Any regrets with it? They also have the exact same white s90 T6. On the fence on which to get. I got my wife a 2021 V60 momentum a few months ago. Love it and decided to go all in on Volvo!

[@chronodriver]

@@chrismadson9479 no regrets, it’s a great all-around car, the more options the better (B&W stereo for example).

[@chrismadson9479]

@@chronodriver MSRP is 71k I assume it has ever option lol. I was blown away at how good the stereo sounds!! Well worth the extra. Thanks for the input. I think ill go with the T8 over the T6.

[@ifiweresolucky]

I own a 2021 V60 Polestar Engineered, effectively the same battery/motor combination as this, and can in fact achieve 25 miles of range in Pure mode (the extra 3 miles comes from the fact the battery achieves a further level of depletion as compared to the standard Hybrid mode). From what I've gathered from the manual peak range is at about 37 MPH, so definitely geared to casual urban driving. I typically try to arrive with whatever juice is left in regular Hybrid mode, than Pure, for battery longevity.

[@KristoferOlsson]

last 10 sec of the vid was the best part! :D

[@Halo47143]

just get a volt, 52 miles electric or a honda clarity

[@RaspberryMocha]

My wife has the S90 T8. It is a pretty car. The dealer network is way better than a Tesla network. She gets the California HOV red sticker the same as any Tesla without the range anxiety of an all electric car. The value of the Volvo and Tesla drop like a rock. The complexity of these electric cars will turn them into money pits after the warranty is over.

[@Karm007]

Chevy Volt is the way to go . Same concept but a lot more electric range . 53 electric and combined 425 miles with 9.3l gallon fuel tank .

[@waynebrissette9459]

As the owner of a Volt and a 2015 S60, I want Volvo to get better range and my Volt would be out of here in a heartbeat. Don't get me wrong, I love that I can go to work (24 miles away) and get home without using any fuel, but at the end of the day, my s60 is way more fun to drive and I would love to swap out the everyday use of the Volt for the Volvo. I see what Volvo is doing as a promise that in a couple of years I might be able to do just that.

[@ozzycalle]

Looking forward to the Polestar 2.

[@RS4Ship]

Would love to see this same test with the new power train on the t8 with its larger battery pack and electric motor.

[@glawson6490]

I have over 4000 miles to a tank on BMW 530e. Plug in hybrids are a great option if you want electric and a luxury interior

[@regsparkes6507]

So, it would seem that Nathan drive like a normal person would, therefore this model Volvo would be better in and around cities, am I correct? I was thinking of the rather short range capacity of it's electric drive. In cities this would be extended due to the regenerative braking. Good and interesting video Nathan.

[@lbnewell23]

I really like this car it’s just really surprisingly good

[@MrTrip3ace]

Glad you like it. I actually work at the factory where its built in SC.

[@index6738]

Would have been worse outcome had the drive been in evening or in adverse weather where lights, wipers and AC running...you’re screwed in getting electric range worthy of making this vehicle an eco choice.

[@mixedupjim1]

Just one note - there is an alternative drive mode on the T8 called "B" drive - you can see it below "D" on the dash shots. This adds a controllable regenerative braking system which is much better than the coasting one in "D" drive. Basically "B" drive adds an automatic regen brake force so you don't need to use the actual brakes so much. You can control the brake force using the lift off of the accelerator pedal which means you use the actual brake less and regain more power especially when rolling down hill or up to junctions. I wonder if they had been in "B" drive they would have made it :) Not the 1st car review to miss it as most people are so used to just selecting "D" for drive.

[@mts982]

Way too long to charge with such low range.

[@Sartheris]

its not meant to be charged every day when you are traveling long distances

[@loganholmberg2295]

Still cool. You don't have to worry about range anxiety with a car like this. Besides you should run that gaas engine for once in a while. Not good to let them sit too long without running.

[@ronsmith7880]

Awesome video Nathan...cool experiment..thanks again...its a cool car🏁🏁🏁

[@autoliebhaber4793]

My 2019 S60 Inscription is horrible. Horrible build quality. My first and last Volvo. Has been plagued with rattles, buzzes and vibration issues. Reached out to Volvo USA and dealer it was purchased at, been in and out of the shop too many times to remember. Volvo USA puts it on the dealer....dealer puts it on Volvo....horrible experience. Asked them to buy the piece of crap back and denied my request. I make everyone who is shopping a Volvo, aware of my experience. I am sure I have cost them at least 3 sales at this point. Shame cause it is an attractive sedan, but I can’t wait to get it out of my driveway.

[@MrKayakinglife]

It is Nathen of course he wouldn't make it, lol.

[@2005GMK]

Nice looking car.

[@shitloveaduck]

Nice review Nathan! I would love to see you guys do the same with a Ford Fusion plug in Hybrid. It is only front wheel drive but basically something the majority of people could afford. It has a 26 mile E-only range. Very competitive when just the parameters of this test are considered. You can get one for about $30,000.00 vs $55,000.00 when comparing base models. $33,000 vs $64,000 when comparing loaded models. I am subscribed to all your channels but we rarely, I meant r a r e l y, see reviews of the cars most everyday drivers can afford and are more likely to drive. The Volvo is a beautiful car, design, all of the amenities are top shelf. If it’s just a commuter car, who? Other than a few executives, who really buys such an expensive vehicle to commute with? Really. I am not criticizing you fellas, it is the industry’s issues too, because it may be harder to get the Fusion. I really think you would get MORE views if you did this review with the Fusion. One caveat! Don’t let Roman do the review, please. I love Roman when he is with Tommy (mostly) but Roman has actually lost his objectivity for anything that is not like this Volvo, he would be mostly positive if you use the Fusion Titanium, but do nothing but complain if you test the SEL. Don’t get all hyped about the type of plastics in the vehicle. No one touches the dash like you guys. The doors, yes, the dash for the less expensive vehicles,,,,,, who cares! Remember you guys would be testing a vehicle that is somewhat affordable to a market that doesn’t have the money for all the toys, please review to what the market is,,,, not the idea of an auto critic that spends most of their time in the very high end vehicles the dealers want to give you. It is an industry issue, out there and all critics do the same thing. “Real world reviews” you all say it all the time. For the majority of your viewers, this Volvo is not the “real” world, it is the “dream” world. You yourself say it is too much money for you. That should say it all, but I would bet a large wager that we will NEVER see the Fusion Plug In Hybrid. I know you are getting the all electric Kona, but that is a very expensive vehicle as well? In Canada it is about $18,000 more than a Fusion Titanium plug in hybrid. Remember, “Real world reviews!” Not “Dream world reviews.” There is an enormous, not as exciting, market out there that is for those that can only afford sub $30,000 vehicles. In fact, it is the majority of all US or Canadian buyers. The vast majority. It’s not as fun after being exposed to all these high end vehicles, but it’s part of the “job” you do. On the other hand, you are by far my favourite US reviewer on TFL!!!

[@cyco1978]

Volvo say in order to get that range you have to do 35mph or less, but that’s dam good!!

[@cbruno12180]

WhAt is the purpose of this vehicle is an overpriced piece of luxury crap!! Plug in my ass so stupid the amount of tech in this car when warranty is up god bless the next owner!! These plug ins are a big waste of time and material u can purchase an accord for half the money that will get 30mpg and wont cost you a fortune to maintain at that too.. stupid stupid stupid!!!

[@ThePharm4Life]

why are you sitting so close to the steering wheel? ??

[@Moparornocar74]

That is such a good looking car

[@bobthebuilder372]

Note that the average US commute to work is estimated to be 16 miles.

[@waynebrissette9459]

Really? They obviously don't take those of us who live in moderate to large cities into account.

[@MrWTFish]

This car or lexus 330hybrid?

[@alexanderdr.berger3701]

In Europe we have new Tax Systems a Jeep Wrangler has 59% tax this car 0% ...... so they finished to Import such Cars like the Grand Cherokee.

[@musinclind37]

According to Volvo website this vehicle starts at almost $56,000. No fast charging and 30 MPG combined. Someone buying a hybrid wants to save money not spend big time. With tech today this car should be getting 50 miles per gallon Using fuel efficient Atkinson cycle engine and be less expensive!

[@lukes-uf4bc]

TfL the best tests¡¡!!¡

[@geertley]

According to the footage you didn't drive in the 'B' regen setting which makes quite the difference. I drive a V60 T8 (same car, just break) and always drive in 'B'. Even with highway included I regularly have between 3 to 4kWh electric regeneration. Also if you use Sensus maps the computer divides its battery volume over the milage you need to do. Handy if you can't charge in between. You set your home address as end location and use waypoints. That keeps the fuel consumption really low. Car must be connected via its modem to get smart and know the roads.

[@dknight211]

A supercharged, turbocharged, hybrid AWD vehicle? with unknown reliability? this is a vehicle you lease ... not buy.

[@LukeEdward]

Woo-hoo

[@robtasker3209]

Air conditioning, fans, stereo/infotainment, front lights on Auto instead of off, there are a number of things that I think would have also truly extended this. I have been doing a lot of research lately and come down to the Volvo S60 Recharge R-Design and another... so appreciate the vid!

[@xlthumper]

This concept is what I think is great. If they could make a 50mi E-range and affordable. I had high Hope's for the Mitsubishi PHEV but it is such an outdated vehicle. Hopefully soon.

[@SimpsonsFan0248]

xlthumper they did it is called the Chevy volt

[@SimpsonsFan0248]

It has 53 miles of electric only range with a gas generator and you can pick one up for under 15k with low miles.

[@xlthumper]

@@SimpsonsFan0248 SUV, volt is too small for my needs

[@lookcloser4536]

Well, they did the Polestar 1 which is a performance PHEV. 600 hp with the same combustion engine but with an improved battery pack (and an additional battery back) and additional electric motors 3 instead of 2). Does 100 miles on electric alone ! :)

[@waynebrissette9459]

I have the R-design and can get 21-25 on a regular basis. But it not a cold here. Now one nice thing that you didn't talk about is the ability of recharging the battery while on the interstate. That allows you to use electric in stop-and-go traffic in the city.

[@NoNegotiations]

This car is going to be forgotten like prius. It's not worth it in my opinion.

[@pasoundman]

Hybrids with tiny batteries like this are frankly a waste of time.

[@LucasW.B]

Thats a good looking car, even tho the rear light look a bit to bulky imo shame they dont do manuals anymore :(

[@VeMultiVo]

In the intro at 0:20 you say Volvo 2020 but the title says 2019. Which is it?

[@afcgeo882]

VeMultiVo No changes for the 2020 model.

[@geertley]

@@afcgeo882 Not correct! The 2020 model gets updated battery capacity. It's now 11,6kWh instead of 10.4kWh on the 2019 model.

[@afcgeo882]

Geert Leyseele You’re correct. The hp boost is courtesy of the slightly larger battery. The 22 mile range is for the 2020. Supposedly, the 2019 model was rated at 21 miles electric range.

[@azera55555]

This car is fantastic on its own, imagine how amazing the Polestar 2 will be, great vid Nathan!

[@musinclind37]

just imagine how expensive it will be

[@henrylarrazabal]

Did he say 30 mpg on a hybrid 🤦‍♂️

[@HoneyBadgerFarm]

Always a compromise with electric. We are screwed as a society.

[@adithyaramachandran7427]

Can you try this test with the brand new Lincoln Aviator GT ?

[@kirby.dreams]

GEAR THE CAR IN B SO YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE REGEN BREAKING DUH

[@Xanthopteryx]

You forgot to mention that it's the safest car on the market...

[@ronvosick8253]

Good thing you did that test somewhere other than the state of California.

[@Julian-do7bv]

Not bad range so close to making it though

[@Nicool333]

Can you charge this on the Tesla network? If not where can you charge?

[@superset5]

google exists. you can look this up

[@trungle9923]

Nice ride

[@ronaldmail00]

Better off with a Honda clarity price-wise unless you absolutely need all wheel drive.

[@mariannalacrosse2886]

Cool experiment. I am thinking about XC90 hybrid but this car looks big inside , thanks for sharing

[@garthhayward9581]

I wouldn't buy this, Volvo need to catch up and advance their electric tech. This so Toyota wanna be.

[@Bryan46162]

Hybrids combine most of the worst features of both BEV's and internal combustion vehicles. You have all the complexity and cost which requires regular service and maintenance of a gas engine as well as the expensive fuel inputs. If you decide to live on electricity alone, you limit yourself to some of the slowest charge rates available in the BEV world as well a driving a 400+ hp vehicle like a granny. Worse, its efficiency would be fine if it was an SUV or a pickup. It's disappointing for a modern sedan. I'm really left wondering what need this vehicle fills. If you only require 22 miles of range, and want to do it on electrons alone for less dollars you can pick up a Bolt, Leaf or Nissan with far more range and the ability to drive like a normal human being. Heck, you can pick up a standard range Tesla and blow this thing out of the water and still save big bucks up front and over the long term.

[@kennethstagg9520]

But when you want to take a road trip and it goes off the beaten path? If you only use it as a commuting car I agree, but if you use it for a general car you may regret not being able to pop into the nearest Conoco/Cheveron/Shell/.... and add 400 miles of range in a few minutes. With this car you get both - high mpg commuting and peace of mind out in Eastern Montana.

[@cstattin]

miles!!! It makes me crazy. If you want us to keep watching this,you have to translate this to the modern worlds messurment

[@index6738]

Loitering around unsecured and open air public charges is looking for trouble. Also an indicator EV or hybrid is for those who have nothing better going on in their lives and prefer to blow off time standing around awaiting for re-juicing on slow refill.

[@Hundert1]

Hybrids are just another gimmick for most situations.

[@ColeSpolaric]

Looks like we have a troll here

[@Hundert1]

@@ColeSpolaric oh woww, you know a big word. Troll my ass