Volvo Working On PHEVs With 100-Mile Range - CleanTechnica

Volvo is developing next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with an electric-only range of about 100 miles, designed to function primarily as electric vehicles with a gasoline engine serving as a backup. Unlike many current PHEVs that rely heavily on their combustion engines, Volvo’s new models will be engineered from the ground up as electric cars first, providing fast acceleration and a driving experience similar to full EVs. These vehicles will also offer a combined range of 500 to 600 miles, addressing range anxiety for drivers who may lack convenient charging options. Volvo’s chief strategy officer, Michael Fleiss, emphasized that these “extended range plug-in hybrids” differ from traditional extended range electric vehicles (EREVs) in that their combustion engines can connect and disconnect from the wheels as needed, improving efficiency. For example, on highways, the engine will often power the wheels directly, while in urban stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle will rely more on electric power. This approach aims to