Volvo’s plug-in hybrid XC60 and XC90 can really go the distance

The automaker’s updated PHEVs have bigger batteries, giving them the longest electric range of any plug-in hybrid on the market, Volvo says.

Most plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) today get an average of around 30–50 miles of battery-only range: decent, but not mind-blowing. With hybrid sales dominating the market today, Volvo is out to prove that its PHEVs can push the limits of what’s possible.

Today, the Swedish automaker revealed the updated PHEV versions of its popular XC60 and XC90 SUVs are its first “long range plug-in hybrids,” delivering class-leading ranges of 78 miles and 73 miles, respectively. That’s more than double the electric range of previous PHEV variants. The numbers are still preliminary and based on EPA testing standards. But if confirmed, they would make Volvo’s PHEVs “the longest electric range of any plug-in hybrids available in the American market,” the automaker claims.

Volvo took a page from its all-electric vehicle design by integrating the battery directly in the floor of both vehicles for improved efficiency. The batteries are also higher capacity — 41.2 kWh (37.9 kWh usable) for both — and able to send more energy to the motors, which are also more powerful.

Of course, those batteries are just dead weight if owners forget to charge them — which tends to happen with a lot of plug-in hybrids . Hybrid owners often neglect to charge, thanks to the gas tank that continues to power their vehicle even with a dead battery. Still, the higher capacity batteries in the XC60 and XC90 are sure to appeal to a lot of car shoppers who may still like the sound of increased range even if they don’t exactly plan on taking full advantage of it.

The XC60 is getting new styling to bring it inline with Volvo’s new design language. That includes an upgraded grille, redesigned front bumper, hood, front wings, rear bumper, tailgate, new wheel designs, and a refined “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight light signature. Like the redesigned XC40 , the XC60 also has a more expansive driver assist that includes Automatic Emergency Steering and Braking, collision prevention, and a door-opening cyclist alert.