It was only recently when Volvo Philippines announced that it would soon roll out its range of fully electric or hybrid vehicles. It seems that the Swedish carmaker will be realizing this goal sooner than many had expected. We say this only because of the vehicle that took the limelight at the recently-concluded Manila International Auto Show 2018.
We refer to the Volvo XC90 that came in hybrid guise. While it still isn’t officially available in Volvo’s local lineup, the hybrid model will indeed pave the way for Volvo’s goal of offering electrified vehicles beginning in 2019.
Known as the XC90 T8 Twin Engine variant, the midsize SUV utilizes both a gasoline and electric motor that produces a total system output of 410hp. Despite this potent output, the engine combo is able to drive up to 43kms on pure electric power. This is perfect for our gridlocked streets where stop-and-go traffic (an environment suited to hybrids) is a daily staple.
Apart from the T8, Volvo also offers a four-cylinder version of the XC90 that puts out 190hp and a stomp-pulling 400Nm of torque. This clean diesel mill uses tech such as i-ART fuel injection to deliver optimum power, improved fuel economy, and cleaner emissions.
Of course, the XC90 is only the beginning of what promises to be a clean and green electric future at Volvo. The brand has said that it plans to roll out five electrified vehicles between 2019 and 2021. Three of these will be Volvo models while the other two will come from performance division Polestar, which in case you didn’t know, is focusing on electrified mobility.
And with the TRAIN law being friendly to alternative energy vehicles, we can expect a more competitive pricing for such offerings.
With all these in the works, the future looks bright and electrifying for Volvo.
