Electrification Explained

Mild Hybrids

What is mild hybrid?
A traditional combustion engine supported by a small electric motor.

How are they charged?
Through energy recovered from regenerative braking, so you don’t have to plug them in.

Can they run solely on electric power?
No, the electric motor provides support to improve the engine’s efficiency.

What models are available?
The line-up consists of three models: XC60 B4 mild hybrid, XC60 B5 mild hybrid and XC90 B5 mild hybrid.

Mild Hybrid

Plug-in Hybrid

• What is a plug-in hybrid?
A traditional combustion engine combined with a battery-powered electric motor.

• How are they charged?
By being plugged in, or through regenerative braking while on the move, or the car can charge the battery from the engine. This means you can leave a city on electric, use the combustion engine for the motorway while charging the battery, ready for the drive through the next city!

• Can they run solely on electric power?
Yes, for short journeys of up to 30 miles, dependent on the model.

• What models are available?
Every model in the Volvo range is available as a plug-in hybrid.​​​

Plug-in Hybrid

Pure Electric

What is pure electric?
Powered by a plug-in battery and propelled by electric motors only.

How are they charged?
By being plugged in, and through regenerative braking while on the move.

How long can I drive before I need to recharge the battery?
The upcoming pure electric XC40 Recharge has a projected range of over 200 miles.

What models are available?
Volvo have two full electric models, to date. The XC40 Recharge, a full electric compact SUV, and the C40 Recharge, their first pure electric crossover.

Discover XC40 Recharge Discover C40 Recharge

Pure Electric

Commonly asked questions




How Far Can I Drive With An Electric Car?

How Can I Find Charging Stations For Electric Cars?

Do Electric Cars Have Good Performance?​

What Is One-Pedal Driving In An Electric Car?

Can You Tow With An Electric Car?​

Does Weather Affect Range In An Electric Car?