Volvo is set to intensify its focus on plug-in hybrid vehicles following its decision to move away from a plan to exclusively offer electric vehicles by 2030. The upcoming plug-in hybrids will feature a new generation with a longer—though not yet disclosed—electric range.
In a recent interview with Automotive News (subscription required), Erik Severinson, Volvo’s chief product and strategy officer, stated that the electric range of the forthcoming plug-in hybrids will be a “significant upgrade” compared to the 32 miles offered by the updated 2025.5 XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid introduced earlier this month.
He mentioned that the new plug-in hybrids will continue to utilize Volvo’s original SPA platform, which was launched nearly ten years ago with the current XC90, and will be enhanced with denser batteries and more efficient electric motors designed for next-gen EVs.
“SPA1 is a very flexible architecture,” remarked Severinson. “We can keep upgrading SPA1 to even longer-range PHEVs.”
2025.5 Volvo XC90
While Severinson did not specify a timeline, it was noted during a recent meeting with U.S. and Canadian dealers that Volvo aims to introduce 10 new and updated models within the next two years, according to Automotive News, citing several dealers in attendance. It is likely that some of these will be the longer-range plug-in hybrids.
This month, Volvo announced that its current strategy envisions 90-100% of its sales being comprised of a mix of EVs and plug-in hybrids by 2030, leaving only a small percentage for mild-hybrids. This decision comes in light of slower-than-expected demand for EVs, the automaker explained, alongside requests from dealers to continue selling plug-in hybrids.
Volvo reaffirms its long-term ambition of becoming a fully electric brand, with at least five EV models under development. These include a midsize sedan named the ES90 and a compact crossover termed the EX60. The ES90 will be based on the SPA2 EV platform introduced with the 2025 EX90, expected to roll out this year, while the EX60 will utilize the more advanced SPA3 EV platform, anticipated to debut in 2026.
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