Volvo Cars expands plug-in hybrid range for China

Volvo Cars is set to show the latest addition to its growing portfolio of plug-in hybrid cars at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show, which opens on April 22.

“We are delighted to signal the start of sales in China of our brand new S60L T6 Twin Engine. The Chinese consumer is ready for this product. Our offer of no-compromise performance and efficiency, coupled with very clear ownership benefits, means that we are perfectly positioned in the growing plug-in hybrid market,” said Alain Visser, senior vice-president (Global Marketing, Sales and Service) at Volvo Car Group.

Volvo Cars is a pioneer in the field of plug-in hybrid powertrain development. In 2012 the company was the first to launch a premium plug-in hybrid and the first to use a diesel engine in such an application. The V60 D6 Twin Engine continues to be the bestselling premium plug-in hybrid in Europe, delivering a unique 3-in-1 no-compromise car experience with individual drive settings that deliver unequalled performance, economy or pure electric propulsion options. All-Wheel Drive is also available on demand, thanks to the innovative electric rear axle drive.

The new S60L Twin Engine is manufactured in Volvo Cars’ Chengdu Plant. A Drive-E four-cylinder 2-litre petrol engine, linked to rear-axle drive 50 kW electric motor, powered by an energy-optimized 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This combination delivers 306 hp (238 + 68 hp) and 350 + 200 Nm with emissions of just 49 g/km, making it one of the best performing plug-in hybrids on the market today. The S60L T6 Twin Engine also delivers a full 53km of pure electric range, making it perfect for pure electric city driving.

 “There are many benefits to owning a Volvo Twin Engine variant. In the city of Shanghai, for example, S60L Twin Engine customers will qualify for a hard-to-get license plate. Offering both convenience, power and efficiency with low emissions makes the car perfect for city dwellers while supporting local pollution initiatives by enabling pure electric drive,” added Alain Visser.

Shanghai customers will qualify for immediate license plates with the S60L T6 Twin Engine as the car fulfils the relevant environmental regulations. This makes the car particularly attractive in the Shanghai city area, where an auction system decides who gets a license plate.

With the sales start of the S60L T6 Twin Engine in China, and the recent introduction of the XC90 T8 and V60 D5 Twin Engine in Europe, Volvo Cars now offers the broadest range of premium plug-in hybrids on the global stage.

“We have a very strong portfolio of plug-in hybrid products right now. In fact we have the broadest offer of all car manufacturers. But we are not stopping there. We will introduce two new Twin Engine variants every year in the coming years,” said Dr. Peter Mertens, senior vice-president (Research & Development) at Volvo Car Group.