Volvo reaches an important milestone in its powertrain electrification programme with the debut of the new T5 Twin Engine hybrid system in the award-winning XC40 SUV. The introduction makes Volvo the only manufacturer to offer plug-in hybrid versions across its entire product range.
Power and efficiency
The T5 Twin Engine marries Volvo’s efficient new 1.5-litre three-cylinder 110kW petrol engine with a 62kW electric motor in a hybrid system that delivers 195kW, making it the most powerful powertrain in the XC40 range. This power is balanced with strong environmental credentials: preliminary WLTP figures for CO2 emissions are from just 38g/km (where 19-inch wheels are specified), while combined cycle fuel consumption is expected to be up to 60km/L.
The compact, energy-dense lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 10.7kWh, enabling exhaust emissions-free electric-only driving of up to 46km (provisional data), according to driving conditions and battery charge levels.
The new T5 Twin Engine joins two diesel and three petrol powertrains in the XC40 range, with an all-electric model joining the line-up next year to provide a truly comprehensive choice.
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Ease of charging
XC40 T5 Twin Engine models come with a recharging outlet on the nearside front wing. A 4.5m cable with a three-pin plug is provided as standard.
Charging via the fast-charge cable will completely recharge the car’s high-voltage battery in as little as 2.5 hours. Fully charging via the three-pin plug cable takes between 3.5 and 6 hours.
According to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa, South African motorists are definitely “going green”. He says: “We are seeing this with the Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in hybrid; interest in this vehicle is at an all-time high. There is currently no plan for the new XC40 plug in hybrid version to come to South Africa but if it did, we would anticipate a high level of interest.”