The world’s electric vehicle future is fast approaching – and luckily that seems to include South Africa. At the higher end, for now. Volvo is bringing its XC60 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid to South Africa with prices starting from R1,218,900.
This one’s powered by both a petrol engine and an electric powertrain. And unlike the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid, for example, this one’s electric motor can be charged. That’s where the ‘plug-in’ bit fits in.
Volvo’s offering the best of both fuels
Volvo’s all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid is available in the distinctive R-Design guise as well as in luxury Inscription variation. Powering the XC60 T8, you’ll find the 233kW/400Nm turbo- and supercharged 2.0-litre petrol engine. Supporting it, you’ve got a 107kW/309Nm electric motor, along with its 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. That’s the one you can charge up using a cable.
If you’re opting for EV-only mode, you’ll manage a range of up to 81km and a combined fuel consumption of around 1.6-litres per 100km if you’re tapping the petrol reserve. These two motors aren’t dragging their feet either, and you can expect to reach 100km/h in just 4.8seconds. That’s in a mid-sized SUV.
On the inside, the XC60 T8’s infotainment system is powered by Android, meaning you’ll have access to full Android Auto functionality while driving. This includes Google Maps and its Assistant. This is supported by the Swedish firm’s own Volvo Cars companion app.
Also making your life comfortable on the inside, is a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, inductive smartphone charging and a Harman Kardon Premium Sound system.
According to Greg Maruszewski, managing director at Volvo Car South Africa, local interest in EVs is growing fast. “Globally, sales of Recharge models increased 11.5 percent year on year in January 2022, accounting for 31.7 percent of all Volvo vehicles sold around the world during the month,” a press release details.
“You need only look at the popularity of our first fully electric model – the XC40 P8 Recharge – to understand there’s a growing local appetite for electrified vehicles. A plug-in hybrid is an attractive first step for South Africans who are considering making the switch to electric, and the XC60 T8 Recharge is a compelling option, combining ultra-low emissions with brisk performance.”