Volvo Doubles Electric Range for 2028 XC60 and XC90 Plug-In Hybrids
Battery upgrades push all-electric range past 70 miles, offering a bridge for buyers hesitant to go fully electric.
Volvo is expanding the electric capabilities of its most popular SUVs to capture a growing market of cautious EV adopters. The company has announced a major battery overhaul for the 2028 XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), more than doubling their all-electric range to eliminate gasoline reliance for the average daily driver.
The updated models transition to a 41.2 kWh battery pack with 37.9 kWh of usable capacity, a sharp increase from the previous 18.8 kWh usable capacity. This upgrade allows the XC60 to achieve an all-electric range of 78 miles, up from 35 miles. The larger XC90 sees its electric range climb to 73 miles, compared to its previous 32 miles. Despite the heavier battery, combined output remains at 455 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive. For long-distance travel, the total range on a full tank and charge reaches 590 miles for the XC60 and 560 miles for the XC90.
A Strategic Pivot in Electrification
This technical leap arrives as Volvo recalibrates its path toward a zero-emission future. While the automaker previously pledged to become a fully electric brand by 2030, it walked back those ambitions in 2024. The shift follows a broader industry trend of slowing EV sales growth, particularly within the United States market. By investing in long-range PHEVs, Volvo is creating a "middle path" for consumers who desire the benefits of electric driving but are not yet ready to commit to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) like the upcoming EX60 and EX90.
Reducing Range Anxiety
The implications for the consumer are practical. With an electric range exceeding 70 miles, these SUVs can cover the vast majority of daily commutes without burning fuel. Volvo notes that the median round-trip commute in the U.S. is approximately 22 miles, meaning these vehicles could operate as pure EVs for several days of commuting on a single charge. This positioning makes them some of the longest-range PHEVs available in the U.S., directly addressing the range anxiety that often deters buyers from leaving internal combustion engines behind.
Production Timeline
Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson stated that these long-range hybrids, alongside the all-electric EX60, represent the company's strongest electrified offering in the mid-size SUV segment. The vehicles are scheduled to enter production in late 2025, with a projected U.S. market launch in early 2027. While the powertrain is the headline, the XC60 is also expected to feature a minor facelift, including a sleeker front end and updated "Thor's hammer" daytime running lights.