Volvo Cars India to transition into BEVs from 2022

After having sold 1,270 units between January and September 2021 and registering a 48 percent year-on-year sales growth with its XC60 SUV being the top seller, Volvo Cars India today introduced two new models in the country.

The company introduced the XC60 and S90 petrol with a 48V mild-hybrid system, both models priced at Rs 61.90 lakh, ex-showroom, India.

The new launches are part of its broad strategy of transitioning into battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2030, starting with the roll out of the new XC40 Recharge BEV in India next year.

“With our ambition to become an EV-only company by 2030, we are introducing the petrol mild-hybrid versions of the XC60 and S90 in the country today,” said Jyoti Malhotra, MD, Volvo Cars India at the virtual launch.

Jyoti Malhotra, MD, Volvo Cars India: "“With our ambition to become an EV-only company by 2030, we are introducing the petrol mild-hybrid versions of the XC60 and S90 in India."

The company also aims to transition into offering petrol-only engines this year, and its current model portfolio in the Indian market includes the S60 and S90 (which was available only in diesel so far) as well as the XC40, XC60 and XC90.

While the XC60 was also available with a diesel engine hitherto, the XC90 range offers both diesel and a plug-in-hybrid electric variant. Volvo Cars India is adopting a gradual transition strategy from diesel to EVs, with 48V petrol mild-hybrid technology being the stepping stone.

“This is part of Volvo’s global strategy of becoming a climate-neutral company. We will be transitioning to petrol mild-hybrid technology this year, and will start rollingout full-electric cars from next year onward,” Malhotra added.

Subtle changes
While the updated models get very subtle visual changes, including a new emblem on the newly-designed front grille, as well as body-coloured inserts and hidden tail pipes at the rear, the S90 gets a forward-looking radar integrated into the lower part of the front bumper.

On the inside, both models get the updated XC60 also receive a new infotainment system which is now powered by Google’s Android OS and offers Google Assistant voice enabled search as well. There is also integration of the ‘Volvo Cars’ app, which will allow owners to lock / unlock their cars remotely as well as connecting to road-side assistance in case of an emergency. The company has also introduced a cabin air purifier as well as blind-spot information system on both models.

On one hand, both refreshed XC60 and S90 get a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and Nappa leather upholstery, the former gets a 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio setup, where the latter gets a 19-speaker unit.

The cars come equipped with a 250hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Volvo Cars India has also offered a three-year maintenance package priced at Rs 75,000, including replacement of wear-and-tear parts.