Volvo's T8 Plug In Hybrid System Explained

How does Volvo's T8 Plug In Hybrid system work and how is it different from what we see on the German PHEVs? Let's find out.
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[@naaspam1185]

For people thinking, "OMG PHEVs are so complicated". In terms of what the driver needs to know... plug it in every night, drive it in pure mode, and just let it do its thing. Put gas in it when you need it.

[@richardhale2117]

This is so true. My wife was a bit intimidated by all the tech until she understood that all you need to do is get in and drive like any other car. The car will figure out whether to use the battery or gas or both, and you usually won't even know which is powering the car under normal conditions. It's very well designed.

[@jeffs6090]

Yes. I drive in electric only 95% of the time. I plug in every other night. I can get to work and home on two days of battery power. I make a longer weekend trip once a month that I do in hybrid mode. I keep the gas tank at half, and hit the gas station maybe once a month. XC60 T8.

[@ScoobyFermentation]

That’s how I roll in my XC90 Extended Range

[@vjhicks8533]

Yeah I have the S60 T8 and I’m 95%+ electric. I can easily get 85 mph on the highway in electric only. I fill up in gas maybe once every 3 months. I get to the point where every now and then the engine turns on because the system sees I haven’t used gas in weeks just to make sure it stays fresh!

[@billurban1581]

Thank you for the analysis. 8800 miles on mine since Nov 1 . . . 98mpg. Charging costs @ 17 ¢ per kWh runs around $40 per month. I had a ‘22 T8 with the 22 mile battery, it got 58mpg over a year. For a longer trip, and if one bothers to read the manual, the secret is this: enter you trip or round trip in navigation. Then the computer knows how far you want to drive and the battery will be apportioned over the entire trip. I make a 178 mile round-trip in rolling terrain several times a month and get ~ 55mpg.

[@Syrinx-Priest]

Love this T8 system, best of all worlds. I just wish the wagon version wasn’t so ridiculously expensive.

[@ahmedshahab4105]

I don't get why the sedan is so much cheaper. While the wagon is in Porsche Cayman price territory lol

[@richardhale2117]

Typical thorough review by Alex. I've owned a car with this drivetrain for two years and I'd say he got it exactly right. This is the best explanation of how the Volvo PHEV drive system works that I've seen anywhere.

[@LearningFast]

It is important to remember that these Volvo Recharge plugin hybrid vehicles qualify for the full $7,500 upfront tax credit if you lease them in the US but not if you buy them. Interest rates or money factors on the leases are terrible but you can buy out the lease to avoid the interest and still get the tax credit upfront without any of the income or vehicle MSRP restrictions.

[@cbatiau2528]

I don't think that's correct... $3500 federal tax credit on PHEVs

[@LearningFast]

@@cbatiau2528 leases are exempt from almost all of the rules so you get the full $7,500 in almost all cases.

[@2Greenlid]

@@cbatiau2528I just had one priced for lease (Feb 2023) and the dealer has $7500 off the lease for tax credit ? Please don’t tell them until I close the deal…

[@SC6691voN]

LearningFast is right. I just bought a 2024 V60. Lease first then buy out later. Got the $ 7,500 tax credit.

[@michaelcornicelli6384]

I leased a '24 V60 Polestar PH six months ago and freakin' LOVE this car. However, my dealer staff, including sales and service, were not able to explain important elements of the powertrain and the adjustable Ohlins dampers to me. Videos like this one filled those gaps very nicely and gave me the information I needed, probably in more detail than a dealer's staff would have. Thanks!

[@sanityclause5601]

💯

[@tctf1]

Thanks so much for this detailed explanation Alex. I have the V60 wagon with this powertrain and this review filled in a lot of the technical gaps for me as to how it operates. One thing that wasn’t mentioned was the excellent battery hold feature, that in hybrid mode uses the 48v hybrid system in traffic with a near imperceptible transition to the ICE above roughly 20MPH. It also shuts down the engine on downhills and allows the same strong regenerative braking and one pedal driving mode. I use this on longer trips, saving the battery range for Pure electric driving on secondary roads.

[@zekew7546]

Excellent, comprehensive analysis of Volvo T8 Recharge PlugIn system. Thanks.

[@LearningFast]

We just got a 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge Ultimate Polestar. One thing Alex didn’t touch on was charging speeds. Volvo plug-in hybrids charge very slowly when compared to other vehicles. 120 volts is the same but 240 volts is capped at 3.6 KW where other cars like the Jeep 4Xe vehicles can do double that. At first I was only charging at 120 V so it took over 16 hours to charge the car. However, you can easily convert a 5-20 120V outlet to a 6-20 240V outlet so now I can get the full 3.6 KW. It takes about 6 hours to charge now. However, I was able to get 45.8 miles of all EV range on a highway that was limited to 55 mph because of construction. I can charge the car fully multiple times a day now so I am getting 106 mpg after 756 miles on this tank of gas. I can get almost 2,000 miles on a single tank of gas if I don’t take any road trips. Not bad for a 5,200 lb vehicle.

[@richardhale2117]

We've had our XC60 T8 for two years and have tracked actual gas mileage on an app. Over about 20,000 miles we have averaged 52 miles per gallon with our driving pattern which is a mix of daily all-battery short trips and the occasional road trip. Very happy with that.

[@normt430]

@@richardhale2117 you need to plug-in more often! As reported fuelly we are over 100 mph in 53k miles on a 2018 Cadillac CT6 2.0E.

[@ukgroucho]

They fixed that on the 2024 XC60 Recharge - so I assume on the XC90 also. My XC60 t8 Recharge has a 6Kw+ max charge rate (can't recall the exact number).

[@LearningFast]

@@ukgroucho you must be in Europe because all 2024 Volvos in the United States still have the 3.6 KW limit.

[@ukgroucho]

@@LearningFast Yes I'm in the UK so maybe our 240v standard domestic supply is the consideration. You can supply 7.2KW off a 32 amp circuit. Having said that my car was only built (completed) September 7th this year and when I ordered it the salesman took pains to point out that it would have a higher charge limit... I believe the US cars (at least the XC60s) are built in the same factory in Sweden as the UK / EU vehicles rather than the China factory.

[@sanityclause5601]

Many thanks from the UK. Great video. Took delivery of my S60 T8 Recharge last week and I love it.

[@PhilKulak]

Best game to play with friends on AA channels: drink every time you here the word "equitably". :D

[@willweider2277]

I got a 2024 S60 Recharge a couple of weeks ago. I love it. It has some fun acceleration, and it looks good, especially in Vapour Grey.

[@milo5656]

Fantastic knowledge , have never heard the features of this system so deeply explained! Thank you

[@Crazyuncle1]

Thanks, Alex you answered many of my questions.

[@hohlaubgrat1]

Thank You for this great video, you are the first person who is able to explain the system and how it can be used. I still don't understand why Volvo didn't keep the Drive Mode selector switch near the gear stick as in the previous models. It is very unsafe to go into the menu while driving, select the options menu and then the desired drive mode.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

A lot of auto manufacturers seem to have not yet found the sweet spot in the touchscreen/physical button juggling act. -Travis

[@chongwayson]

Thank you for making this video. You solved a lot of my questions owning this monster. It’s very amazing experience to own Volvo T8, and learn how Volvo PHEV software works. Great one 👍

[@stevensnow4112]

I really appreciate this information. Thank you.

[@bikingmoments]

Always great review 🎉 thank you Alex. Can you review 2024 X5 50e? It got a heathy upgrade from last year in both power and EV range. How does it compare with XC90 PHEV now?

[@AndyGaskin]

Fantastic review!

[@freddiecarr7602]

Touched all the questions I had-

[@danielgrenier2417]

Where's the Tip Jar! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! Thorough and detailed explanation of how my 2023 XC60 T8 Recharge works. The whole system's function was kind of a foggy blur till I saw this vid. Love it and I love my car even more now that I understand how it does what it does. I even forwarded this video to my Sales Rep at the Volvo dealership to pass on to clients .... I suspect he knows most of this but exactly none of it was explained to me when I bought the car like it is explained here. Thanks again so much.

[@extremejoy]

In the same line with “Like”, “Dislike”; there’s a “Thanks” button that you can tip Alex.

[@gavinsullivan9015]

I have the XC60 and it’s a wonderful thing. Very interesting thanks. Also interesting that the regen is on the rear, also it’s great that the B mode is the same whatever state of charge you have and even if the engine is running. The only thing I’ve noticed is that if you’re in hybrid and step on it the engine kicks in and there is a mismatch between front and rear axle for a split second. Can be a bit alarming if you have steering lock on. But overall excellent vehicle apart from a couple of electrical gremlins.

[@ALMX5DP]

I love this vehicle, styling above all else but is pretty cool it has the EV ability and fairly decent fuel economy when not running on pure electrons.

[@TheMtj747]

How’s the ride?

[@xzimxzim]

We have a V60 on our short list, and all the questions I had you answered!! I was worried that in pure mode it wouldn’t turn the engine on if a lot is slippage was happening. I was thinking I would have to click it into AWD constantly when it would snow or rain.

[@TurkVladimir]

Thanks Great Video

[@jooky87]

Best engineered hybrid system out there, I have the mild hybrid s60 which is awesome, but this would be even better

[@shaun2072]

Very interesting!!

[@invitia901]

The main negative aspect is the middle rear seat, the “cardan tunnel” containing the battery protrudes into the leg space of the middle seat, making it in practice a 4 seater for anything bigger than a small child.

[@doggyppants9846]

PHEVs are the best, wherever there is not an abundant EV charging network.

[@FuncleChuck]

I'd argue a PHEV is be the best choice for most people, even if DC fast charging were available absolutely everywhere. My commute is 40 miles daily (above average) and I can drive at least 80% of those miles in electric mode in a PHEV. For a BEV to be better for me it has to do a lot more than just winning back the ~2000 miles a year that I do on gas. That costs $200 and I only need to fuel up every month or two. There's just no way it it pays off to go full BEV if you can do your commute in a PHEV. We need more PHEV options. The only people I expect could benefit from going BEV are those with very long drives who can also charge wherever they are going, as DC fast charging costs about the same per mile as gasoline.

[@normt430]

The PHEV is the sweet spot for sure! The ability to plug a wall outlet inside the garage, outside the house, or street parking, and be full the next day cannot be emphasized enough. No need for public charging as we charge where ever.

[@MarekRurek]

Hi, I live in Europe and must say didn’t hear about a PHEV version with a dual-clutch transmission. All they sell in Poland is the same T8 as you just presented plus a T6 Recharge basically the same but with less powerful petrol engine (250HP), and a total power of 350 (instead of 455 in T8). I own a T6 and because the electric engine and the battery are all the same as in T8, it gives the same amazing feeling of power and torque from the first kph.

[@acsmoothing2262]

Although Alex’s tested 35mpg in hybrid mode for this T8 trim S60 sounds pretty lame to some viewers, allow me to contribute some perspective: that is a better fuel economy average than my Honda Fit averages year round, and the Fit weighs about one US ton less and has about 300hp less power. I’d say that is impressive.

[@brians3899]

I have averaged about 1600 miles per tank on my 2024 S60. It costs about $1.50 per charge here in Memphis. Even with no charge I average about 33 mpg and I drive rough. I got worse mileage driving a civic prior to this purchase.

[@billurban1581]

2023 S60 Recharge, 104 mpg, ~$35 a month to charge the battery in Pa. Last ICE got 29.7 mpg.@@brians3899

[@stevegame3000]

Very useful as I’m a couple of days away from my v60 recharge arriving

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Glad we could help! -Travis

[@UraniumTwoThirtyFive]

These really never deplete the battery. As you state, the usable power is 14.9 kWh, but the battery pack itself is actually 18.8 kWh. So basically there's always 4 kWh available to provide performance/off-road/etc. As you stated, if it uses that reserve power, it'll recapture and fill it up or generate power to keep that 4 kWh reserve. I have a V60 Polestar Engineered, it's a great powertrain; I prefer the flexibility of it over my previous Tesla Model 3 Performance, and I really appreciate the more refined interior and ride.

[@boscogong4242]

Alex fan myself. Getting close to putting the order in for the 24 V60.

[@BogeyTheBear]

The offset capacity is generally not used for reserve power , but to compensate for battery degradation over time. You'll always have this 15-kilowatt 'window' of power capacity over the years because, as portions of the battery fail to hold a charge, the hidden 4 kw gets used to take up the load.

[@TheMstwntdLMSV123]

I’m curious if there’s any engine block heaters or oil/coolant warmers to minimize wear. I hate the idea of the gas engine starting and immediately revving to redline when performing a hard acceleration in hybrid mode

[@streetfighter3k144]

We ordered 2 XC60’s. Delivery febr. 24. In Belgium, that’s where we live, the T8 is named ‘Polestar edition’.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Congratulations, hope you enjoy! -Travis

[@msusocal]

Thanks Alex! Just got my 23 s60 recharge. They should do away with the t8 name. But i feel like this car is much more quiet than my previous 21 v60cc with the engine on. Can't even hear it now and road noise is quieter now. I can feel the weight in the car but feels like a heavy solid quiet euro car now. Love how your explained all the mechanicals on this complex car. Volvo is improved on this system even though it has been around awhile. I do wonder how much efficiencies loss there is in charging mode. That is my only question left.

[@billurban1581]

Don’t forget, a heavier car is safer if there’s a collision.

[@iliyankunin9722]

Since the regen braking only works on the rear wheels I was wondering how efficient it is? What happens if you are going downhill and hit the brakes - would it try to slow you down only with regen or will it be combination of friction in front and regen at the back?

[@emoney1231]

I think this drivetrain is what the Mazda CX-90 PHEV should have benchmarked. The XC90 PHEV is significantly quicker with essentially the same fuel economy.

[@systemler44]

Best plugin set up ever...t8 is a beast

[@carbonx15]

Another great explanation video, Alex! I've been driving my 2019 S60 T8 for 4 years, and I still learned a lot from this. A question I've always had with Volvo's plug-in hybrid system and still have is - do you still have AWD if your battery is empty? There isn't a drive shaft in between, so the engine can't drive the rear wheels directly. Is the engine generating electricity and sending it directly to the rear to drive the rear wheels?

[@aimveryhigh]

Would you recommend a used 2019 T8 to someone? How many all electric miles do you get now? What’s your average mpg?

[@user-hz2qq3gl7v]

Listen is the 400 hp the same source and can it be used at the same time otherwise can say under the hood it’s separate

[@TYAC_TPE_SF-Bay]

This is such a revelation.

[@emceejargon]

did the 2024 get a power bump?

[@LearningFast]

Alex, could you do a video explaining what the Polestar option does for these Volvo recharge vehicles? I have it on my XC90 but honestly I can’t really tell the difference other than the fact that it changes the Power mode to one called Polestar.

[@tctf1]

The Polestar software mostly changes the transmission programming to slightly higher RPM shift points and it will hold onto a gear when cornering.

[@LearningFast]

@@tctf1 does it work in the Hybrid mode or just in Polestar mode?

[@tctf1]

You’ll notice improvements in transmission shifts in any mode where the gas engine is engaged, but Polestar mode is where you’ll get the higher RPM shift points. A little too high for my liking, especially on the highway.

[@aumnaad]

Thank you. Very succinct & informative. Have to watch again to clarify a few things... My question is:- if one prefers the AWD mechanics with rear wheel bias then selecting AWD mode is the go, but does that come at a cost to performance compared to Power mode? Second question is:-, is it technically possible that when the rear battery fully discharges, the vehicle can become a FWD only?

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I can't say I would recommend leaving the vehicle in the always AWD mode because it's not going to be the most efficient or performance oriented way to drive around. Essentially, that's an "as needed" option and not intended to be the default operating mode. The second question is a pretty theoretical one because it would take an immense, dedicated effort to drain the battery to the point that it couldn't power the rear motor. I think you could drain it to the point that the rear motor is not constantly providing power but the vehicle programming is intended to use a percentage of the gas power to charge the battery. -Travis

[@phukfone8428]

Yes you can drain the battery such that the internal combustion engine will run and only drive the front wheels. It is happening to me numerous times.

[@etbadaboum]

Is it Geely's tech? Apparently the next CLA will get a Geely-made PHEV powertrain.

[@douggreen8944]

im not sure if this would be an issue or not I have an older audi PHEV, lets say your on the freeway on pure EV and the battery dies.... your going 65 and your cold engine springs to life... high rpms and working... I know we dont really need to 'warm up' the cars like we use to. Just seems like that would be kind of rough on a cold engine

[@xUnluckySlevenx]

I have a this car. I added the Polestar upgrade (software only). Extremely fast. Friend with SCAT Pack Challenger can't keep up. Below the 112mph governor that is. The T8 is a 2.0L Turbocharged and Supercharged. Supercharger up to 2500 RPM them switches to Turbo.

[@kengrun]

Lots of confusion about the supercharger but the new T8 do not have them. The new electric supercharger can be found in the mild-hybrid B6s only.

[@keko.privat]

I drive 2019. T8 Twin Engine PHEV, but specification is a little bit different, plus I got 5th driving mode (Off-road), ICE engine got 223 kW it's supercharged and turbo charged and on rear axle is powerfull electric motor 80,2 kW. Batteries are only 10.4 kWh, but everything works perfect so far, only +60.000 km on the ODO. Cheers!

[@keko.privat]

I forgot to mention, It's an XC60 T8

[@LuckyDragon1331]

I was thinking you can only give the battery a charge by plugging it in...didn't know it also charges when driving thats so cool😀

[@billurban1581]

Last summer I went 55 miles on this "41 mile" battery, secondary roads, 40 to 50 mph. When the engine started I hit the charge button and added 3 battery miles over the last 7 miles of my drive.

[@justasoloplayer8153]

Let me ask pls ( is it reliable give 0 to 10 scale) ? Pls answer l love the car

[@Itsme-vo4fx]

Does this PHEV have the Turbo plus Supercharged gas engine or have they removed the Supercharger found in the T6 gas engine?

[@alex25wrc]

2015 Volvo XC60 D4 average 47 mpg . Great 👍🏼

[@PhilT993]

A PHEV with very good combined power and a good EV-only range sounds very appealing. My only concern is, where I live in Canada, the weather is below freezing for almost 6 months of the year. Since the cabin can only be heated by running the ICE engine, that means that every time you get into the car you will be running the ICE engine! Not efficient from an EV point of view. During the other half of the year you may be almost EV-only. if you are doing around 50 miles (80kms) per day around town. Just something to keep in mind.

[@makimoko]

There is an electrical heater just for that reason. It is called « secondary heater » or something and is mentioned in the owner’s manual. So you can heat with battery power only.

[@PhilT993]

@@makimoko Thanks for the info. I asked the same thing of Audi and they told me that the engine would have to be run to bring the cabin up to temp and once there, the electrical heater could maintain the cabin temp.

[@williamli1971]

Not true for volvo T8, audi may be different though. In volvo, you can get heat in pure electric mode with the sacrifice of range. Below -10c, I get 40km vs 64km in summer (20-30c)@@PhilT993

[@billurban1581]

@@makimoko the slam dunk is preconditioning the cabin while it’s plugged into household current. Then you have more battery to propel the car.

[@Trades46]

It is a neat setup for sure, but at the same time I just feel the pure BEV models like the C40 Recharge or the Polestar 2 just feels more simple and elegant than the S60 Recharge. I get it - some folks aren't ready for a full EV, and this is a great stepping stone for those folks who don't have constant ample charging provisions.

[@normt430]

The XC40 based C40 and P*2 are based on ICE platform. The Recharge EV is more modern being designed for 2021/2022. They come close to performing like a Model Y but have thier limitations in extra weight which hurts performance and efficiency.

[@MrRaitzi]

Polestar 2 rwd facelift is amazing. Beats Tesla on efficiency. Pure EV models just most cases do not provide all body styles. No much options for wagons. Nearly all are short but high SUVs.

[@chongwayson]

I have a question after owned XC60 T8 for 1&Half years. -how Volvo System do to protect the engine from damage, e.g every time we do sudden startup engine (kick down switch/hybrid mode)

[@billurban1581]

I think it's similar to starting a cold engine anytime when stationary. An oil film is retained on parts even without oil pressure. From Bobtheoilguy: "Took apart a early Ford 240 ci six cylinder engine today that sat in a barn for 30 plus years not running. I saw it first hand: Mains and rod bearings, (and Crankshaft) had much oil still clinging to it." Think how large displacement diesel engines with much higher compression survive a start up in frigid weather? (Although I must admit, as a precaution I always run my T8 engine for a minute or two when starting out in very cold weather unless it's just a local slow speed errand. This burns a measly .07 to .08 gal according to the app.)

[@nevco8774]

I thought sedan car style is dead in the USA but I see a ton of videos recently with sedans.

[@BogeyTheBear]

Yet all those sedans, especially the EVs, are imports.

[@billurban1581]

@@BogeyTheBear S60 built in Ridgeville S Carolina

[@mervyncausier]

Doesn’t this set up also use a supercharger ?

[@AaronCarp]

Can you smash around in it with all that power? Or do you need to stop and charge it to get power from the electric motor in combination with the gas motor?

[@EVBuyersGuide]

You're free to smash around, it would have to be an incredibly unique situation to really run out the battery. -Travis

[@mariusmihai1292]

that's a s60 or s90?

[@rickywinthrop]

Cool but far too many points of failure for my taste. I would love to replace my 15' v6 t6 rdesign with a new v60 but these power trains freak me right out. I'll likely just wait for better ev's and charging infrastructure and nurse this one along for as long as is possible. Can't stand the monolithic touchscreens in these cars either...totally unsafe compared to physical buttons. Amazing and pretty car regardless.

[@vanessaaugsbach6541]

✨✨✨

[@N8844H]

We've been considering an XC60 Recharge PHEV for our next car mainly because we really liked the all-electric range and the solid build quality. What turned us away (other than the price tag) was the meager MPG the car achieved when in normal hybrid mode. Compare the Volvo's numbers with the 50 MPG in the Kia Niro PHEV (I know, a much smaller, lighter car). Or even with the RAV 4 Prime's 40 MPG. The Volvo's 400 plus horsepower imposes an efficiency penalty (that 25-35 MPG) that's just too high for our liking. It would feel (to us, anyway) like a giant step backwards.

[@ALMX5DP]

I struggle with that sentiment, especially if you’re using this as much as possible in pure EV mode. I think if you do so 75% of the time, getting the regular fuel economy for the other 25% really amounts to something like $15-20 a month difference versus a RAV4 Prime, which in the grand scheme of things quite minor in my mind.

[@N8844H]

@@ALMX5DP Sure, with the Volvo's decent all-EV range we might rarely need the gasoline engine to come on and only visit the gas station to refresh the fuel. But every time we were in hybrid mode and saw the 25 MPG (official) or 35 MPG (Alex's experience) we would cringe. Not what you want to experience in a $70k car. But that's just us. Others will have different needs and come to different conclusions.

[@naaspam1185]

​@@N8844H Expensive cars are pricey because of their luxury and performance. Never for their fuel economy. Really it would come down to the highway fuel efficiency when it comes to hybrid mode. Even when your trip will exceed the electric range, chances are you'll flip the car into hybrid mode on the highway, then leave some juice in the battery for the city driving where it's most efficient. Official fuel economy on the 2023 XC60 is 28 mpg. Not sure which vehicle Alex tested, but even 28 mpg for a sport luxury CUV is pretty solid. If it's able to consistently get 35 mpg, then all the better. If you care less about luxury and performance, and more about efficiency and cost of ownership, then there are definitely better vehicles out there than Volvos.

[@rolandfox4732]

We just got back from a 600 mile road trip in our 2023 XC60 T8 and got 33.0 mpg on the outbound leg and 36.6 mpg coming home. This is driving up to 75 mph on Michigan highways and running the AC on a 85° day. Using the built-in Google maps helped as it did not deplete the EV battery on the front end of the trip, and we arrived home with 1 mile left.

[@emoney1231]

Keep in mind this has the power and 0-60 of a V8 Camaro. While 25 MPG isn't impressive, it is for this power and acceleration

[@phatmeow7764]

actually my preferred PHEV is a diesel engine! electric motor + batt for city/short drives then let that diesel rip for long drives?

[@spinedoc893]

Doesn't seem like this is a good AWD set up for wintery/snowy climates??? Seems like you'd run the battery down in no time in snowy icy conditions

[@peterfessier9780]

I prefer my Prime for it’s greater efficiency and greater EV horsepower, but this review has me wondering if it would be even better if it had the larger motor in the back like this Volvo rather than the small motor it has to give it AWD. I’m sure Toyota has it’s reasons, but it sounds good to me.

[@naveenthemachine]

The Volvo PHEV is efficient and powerful. The Toyota prime models are boring

[@ALMX5DP]

@@naveenthemachine it may be boring but is it possible the Toyota Prime electric powertrain is more powerful and efficient than the Volvo here?

[@naveenthemachine]

@@ALMX5DP well the ev only mode is slow and the Volvo has a more powerful electric motor in the back

[@ALMX5DP]

@@naveenthemachineboth cars are relatively slow in their EV modes and the RAV4 Prime has an electric motor on each axle..

[@naveenthemachine]

@@ALMX5DP but the motor in the back is not powerful.

[@danrichman1]

I wonder why you didn't compare this to the Prius Prime, also a PHEV. That has better EV range and higher MPG and unlike the Volvo is light-feeling, nimble and fun to drive, with very strong EV acceleration.

[@emoney1231]

While I would love either of those cars, they are not exactly trying to compete with each other. A power-focused luxury sedan that's 0-60 in 4.0 seconds vs. an efficiency-focused mainstream lift back that's 0-60 in 6.5 seconds.

[@danrichman1]

@@emoney1231 Fair enough. But it really does drive well and, I would submit, is worth considering among those worthy competitors, if you can stand not owning a prestige brand. Thanks for your great work.

[@normt430]

@@danrichman1 the Volvo design is very conservative unlike Pri of past. The new Prius really cut down on rear seat head room which that is where most passengers ride for Uber and Lyft. The quality of materials and workmanship is more Germanic than is economy based Prius. Though some dealerships has Prius at $8,000-10,000 over MSRP or close to $50k where the S60 T8 is. So tell me which is a better deal?

[@RichardJoashTan]

And I am happy that I will buy a fully loaded 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV anyway.

[@prashantgokhale4659]

Which BMW or Mercedes models would be better than the Volvo XC T8 hybrid cars ? Any suggestions ?

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

I test drove an XC90 T8 back in 2017 and it was horrible. The engine was noisy and vibrated heavily, and the handling was terrible. I couldn't understand why anyone would want that.

[@naaspam1185]

Don't know about the XC90 T8, but it looks like Volvo has continuously added more range and power to their T8 line over the years. The 2023 models are even a big upgrade over the 2022 models.

[@Syrinx-Priest]

That was a different T8 system back then. Supposedly it’s much improved since 2022.

[@naveenthemachine]

The Volvo PHEV is probably the best PHEV out there. Toyota can’t even come close The Volvos system is simply more polished than Toyotas. Not to mention it’s just a better PHEV system altogether than Toyotas

[@Syrinx-Priest]

The Rav4 Prime system does have slightly more ev range and much better hybrid fuel efficiency, but falls behind in pretty much everything else.

[@emoney1231]

Toyota isn't playing the same game as Volvo. Toyota is in the efficiency space and Volvo is in the performance space. The Toyotas are quick for efficient vehicles and the Volvos are efficient for quick vehicles.

[@DavidDLee]

How much Chinese is Volvo cars these days? Does it have Chinese components more than other brands?

[@billurban1581]

My 2023 S60 Recharge has 25% Chinese parts according to the window sticker. That’s probably not much more than the average car.

[@f.d.castel2821]

What hell of question is this? "How much Chinese" there is in your iPhone?

[@DavidDLee]

@@f.d.castel2821 The brand is owned by a Chinese company. I don't own an iPhone. I see it a fair consumer question. Why not ask it?

[@cbatiau2528]

too bad that Volvo doesn't put this drivetrain into a Cross Country wagon

[@balvirchot1355]

This guy cannot be more wrong. When the battery is empty, the gas engine will be able to provide enough charge for the electric motor to drive the rear wheels.

[@kraftwurx_Aviation]

Volvo engineers were told to put in a tiny electric motor.... what they should have done was put in a 288hp, 405lb-ft torque motor to give it 600hp and 700lb-ft of torque. The rear bias is weak. It needs more power in the rear to really be effective in corners.

[@satl3161]

First

[@han88225]

low quality for headlight led. haven't auto steer , tmps , auto park and 180km/h lock 5 year . feeling worst Volvo