Tag Archives: Volvo

Hybrid

2026 Volvo XC60 T6 PHEV: The Plug-in That Replaces Diesel

Volvo has firmly closed the chapter on diesel. As of last year, the Swedish automaker officially discontinued all diesel-powered models, pivoting toward electrified drivetrains with a clear focus: plug-in hybrids. Now, the XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid stands as a symbol of that transition—and a very convincing answer to Europe’s long-standing diesel dominance.

With over 2.7 million units sold, the XC60 has just become the most successful model in Volvo’s history, surpassing the iconic, boxy Volvo 240. This milestone isn’t just a numerical victory—it also marks a philosophical shift. The plug-in hybrid XC60 doesn’t just replace diesel; it redefines Volvo’s approach to efficient, long-range motoring. And in its updated 2026 guise, it’s sharper, smarter, and more capable than ever.

A Scandinavian Response to German Diesels

While German marques like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz continue to find success with their diesel lineups, Volvo has decided to tackle them with next-gen plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology. And it’s working. The latest XC60 T6 AWD brings to the table a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, and real-world usability that’s making diesel look increasingly outdated.

The updated powertrain combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 253 hp and 350 Nm of torque with a significantly improved rear-mounted electric motor now putting out 145 hp and 309 Nm. The combined system output of 353 hp and a stout 709 Nm of torque delivers confident performance in almost all driving scenarios. For those seeking even more punch, the T8 variant ups the ante with 455 hp.

Real-World Range, Real-World Benefits

The 2026 XC60 T6 now offers a net battery capacity of 15.9 kWh (18.8 kWh gross), translating to a WLTP-rated electric range of around 80 km—or up to 90 km in urban driving. That’s more than enough for most daily commutes, and crucially, it allows access to virtually all restricted traffic zones across Europe. Charging from a 16-amp wallbox takes just under 3 hours, making overnight top-ups effortless.

Highway performance is equally compelling. With a full charge and tank, the XC60 T6 can cover up to 600 kilometers at a steady 130 km/h—making it a legitimate long-distance cruiser and a true rival to diesel in terms of range.

Driving Dynamics and Versatility

Volvo has refined the driving experience with three selectable modes: Hybrid, Power, and Pure. Hybrid mode balances electric and combustion power for everyday driving; Power mode sharpens throttle response and unleashes the full system output; Pure mode enables quiet, emission-free travel at speeds of up to 140 km/h.

Despite tipping the scales at 2,156 kg, the XC60 T6 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds—a figure that puts it squarely in the league of performance diesels, but with smoother, quieter operation.

The End of an Era—And the Beginning of a Better One?

The question lingers: is PHEV truly the new diesel? For Volvo, the answer is a resounding yes. While the brand’s beloved five-cylinder diesels have been consigned to history, their plug-in successors bring the same spirit of endurance and versatility—just with fewer emissions and more flexibility.

The 2026 XC60 T6 doesn’t try to be flashy or revolutionary. Instead, it doubles down on what Volvo does best: practical, understated luxury with intelligent engineering. In that sense, it’s not just a successor to the diesels of old—it’s a better one.

Source: Volvo

News

Volvo Hit with U.S. Class Action Lawsuit Over XC40 Recharge Safety Defects

Volvo’s reputation for safety is under scrutiny once again. Hot on the heels of a warning from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning its hybrid and electric models, the Swedish automaker is now facing a class action lawsuit in the United States over alleged safety defects in its fully electric XC40 Recharge SUV.

The lawsuit, filed by more than 100 vehicle owners, accuses Volvo of knowingly selling a vehicle with serious and potentially dangerous flaws—chief among them, instances of uncontrolled or unexpected acceleration. The plaintiffs claim that these defects present a clear danger to drivers, passengers, and others on the road.

At the center of the legal action is lead plaintiff Robert M. Becker, who alleges that the 2024 model-year XC40 Recharge he leased began exhibiting abrupt jerks and spontaneous acceleration within weeks of delivery. According to Becker, these episodes occurred during everyday driving scenarios, such as gear changes or while using the EV’s “One Pedal Drive” mode—a feature designed to enable regenerative braking and reduce reliance on the brake pedal.

Becker and other plaintiffs argue that the issue is not isolated. They claim Volvo either knew—or should have known—about the defect, citing internal pre-production testing, customer complaints (including those for the related Polestar 2 model), service reports, and data reported to NHTSA. Despite mounting evidence, the lawsuit alleges that Volvo downplayed the seriousness of the issue and implemented only partial remedies.

“The defects pose a significant risk of accident, injury or property damage,” the complaint states, adding that Volvo’s actions constitute “fraudulent concealment” and a violation of multiple U.S. consumer protection laws.

So far, Volvo has issued two recalls related to the XC40 Recharge in the U.S. market. One involved a software issue that could cause sudden power loss, while the other addressed a potential water intrusion issue affecting the accelerator pedal sensor on certain 2021 and 2022 models. However, plaintiffs argue that these recalls were too narrow in scope and failed to address the underlying problems with the vehicle’s control systems.

The legal filing demands a jury trial and seeks compensatory and punitive damages, restitution of profits allegedly obtained through false advertising, and a court-ordered injunction requiring Volvo to fix all affected vehicles.

This latest development adds to growing scrutiny over the reliability of Volvo’s electric lineup at a time when the company is pushing aggressively toward an all-electric future. With consumer trust and brand equity hanging in the balance, the outcome of this case may have far-reaching consequences—not just for Volvo, but for the broader EV market where software-driven control systems are increasingly at the heart of the driving experience.

Volvo has not yet issued a public comment regarding the lawsuit.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

News

Volvo Cars Posts SEK 2.9 Billion Core Profit as Turnaround Plan Gains Momentum

Volvo Cars reported an operating result of SEK -10.0 billion for the second quarter of 2025, a figure skewed by significant one-off charges. When adjusted for those exceptional items, however, the company posted a core operating profit of SEK 2.9 billion, signaling that its SEK 18 billion turnaround plan is beginning to gain traction.

The reported loss was primarily driven by an SEK 11.4 billion non-cash impairment tied to revised financial assumptions for the EX90 and ES90 electric vehicle platforms, as well as SEK 1.4 billion in restructuring costs related to the ongoing reduction of 3,000 global positions. Without these items affecting comparability, Volvo’s underlying EBIT margin stood at 3.1%.

Retail sales fell by 12% year-over-year to 181,600 units, and revenues totaled SEK 93.5 billion. Yet despite the dip in volume, CEO Håkan Samuelsson remained upbeat:

“The market continued to be challenging in Q2,” he said. “However, our turnaround actions are starting to show results. In a market with headwinds, we made a clear improvement of free cash flow versus Q1, and our EBIT margin, excluding exceptional items, was slightly higher.”

Turning Point in Volvo’s Transformation

Earlier this year, Volvo launched a sweeping SEK 18 billion cost and cash turnaround plan, now visibly underway. The strategy revolves around three core pillars: profitability, electrification, and regionalisation.

On the profitability front, job cuts and spending reductions are already being implemented, with 1,100 employees having left the company. Efforts to slash material costs include deeper collaboration with Geely Group on procurement and co-developing models for the Chinese market. At the same time, Volvo has slowed its investment pace and reduced working capital demands to boost cash flow.

These efforts are setting the stage for sustainable future profitability, supported by advanced manufacturing techniques such as mega-casting, cell-to-body battery integration, and in-house e-motor development.

EV Acceleration: EX60 and ES90 Lead the Charge

Volvo’s future hinges on electrification, and that strategy remains intact. Development of the born-electric EX60, a key entry into the premium midsize SUV segment, is on track. It will be the first model built on Volvo’s next-gen EV platform — designed for lower cost and better performance.

The ES90 all-electric sedan will arrive this autumn, targeting premium buyers with a zero-emissions offering. Meanwhile, the EX90 — following software improvements — is now fully market-ready and manufactured to meet the high standards of Volvo’s customer base.

Recognizing the transitional role of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), Volvo is also preparing to launch the XC70, its first extended-range PHEV, with production starting in Q3. This model is expected to perform strongly in China and other markets where charging infrastructure remains limited.

Going Regional: Adapting to a Shifting Global Landscape

With globalization under strain, Volvo is leaning into regionalisation. It is decentralizing governance, starting with its China and Americas operations, to allow faster responses to local market dynamics.

Volvo is also localizing production to mitigate tariffs and supply chain challenges. The XC60 will now be assembled in Charleston, USA, while in Europe, Volvo is building out its Kosice plant in Slovakia, which will produce the upcoming Polestar 7 and a new Volvo model yet to be revealed.

Looking Ahead: Positioned for Recovery

While macroeconomic conditions remain tough, Volvo’s proactive cost and product strategies are already showing early promise. The EX30, now made in Ghent to avoid tariff exposure, is ramping up sales, while the refreshed 90 Series and new models like the EX60, ES90, and XC70 are expected to drive growth.

“When market sentiment improves, Volvo Cars will be well-positioned for profitable growth,” said Samuelsson. “With a future-proof product line-up and a leaner, more efficient organisation, we’re confident in the path ahead.”

Despite the headline figure, the second quarter represents a turning point for Volvo Cars — a moment when restructuring pain starts giving way to operational gains. If momentum continues, 2026 may mark the beginning of a new, electric-powered chapter in the company’s storied history.

Source: Volvo