Volvo's XC60 PHEV is a High-Mileage Crossover

Volvo officially unveiled itsXC60 plug-in hybrid concept today at the Detroit Auto Show. The Volvo XC60 PHEV Concept is based on the Swedish automaker’s small XC60 crossover, but fitted with an alternative powertrain.

That drivetrain is similar to the one found in the Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid that goes on sale later this year in Europe. The difference is in the cut – the V60 plug-in hybrid station wagon uses diesel fuel; the XC60 plug-in hybrid uses gasoline.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine that produces 280 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine powers the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with an engine stop-start system. Rear wheels can be powered by an electric motor that produces 70 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine is supplemented by an electric motor/generator that is rated for 45 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque. Combined output of the three units is a healthy 350 hp, according to Volvo. A 12 kWh battery resides beneath the cargo area.

Drivers can select three modes:

• Pure: the crossover can run on pure electric power for up to 35 miles
• Hybrid: the XC60 operates like a conventional hybrid vehicle
• Power: the gas engine and electric motor combine for maximum performance.

The automaker estimates a 5.8 second run to 60 mph, a top speed of 130 mph, and a max towing capacity of 3300 pounds in Power mode.

In hybrid mode, the XC60 PHEV should return 50 mpg and a range of 600 miles (including the 35 miles of all-electric range). Volvo says the battery can reach full-charge in 3.5 hours on 220 volts or 7.5 hours with a 110 volt source.

The driving modes allow drivers to optimize fuel economy based off driving environment. Hybrid mode would be ideal for highway driving; Pure mode could be used in city driving or searching for parking; and Power mode would be for climbing hills or towing.

Volvo developed the XC60 plug-in hybrid specifically for the American and Chinese markets. The Swedish automaker said the XC60 PHEV Concept’s (gasoline) drivetrain is coming to the states, but that it may or may not be in the XC60. The XC60 PHEV Concept is to gauge customer interest and if high could speed up the time when the PHEV drivetrain arrives.

**  Courtesy of MotorTrend