The latest versions of the XC60 Recharge has received a bump up in EV range to 36 miles following the EPA test cycle from just 19 miles with the previous version. Hnece, a much more practical/viable to cover many short run day to day trips. The new X60 Recharge has also received more power up to 455 HP. When it comes to towing the XC60 Recharge has an official capacity up to 3,500 lbs, significantly more than the S60 & V60 Recharge.
Volvo XC60 Recharge Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 3,500 lbs
- Availability – Late 2022
- Price – Starting $54,250
- EPA EV Range – 36 miles
- Combined (city/highway) – 63 MPGe and 28 MPG
- Maximum Charge Rate/Time – 3.5kW (5 hours)
Volvo XC60 Recharge HP & Torque
- AWD: Combined output of 455 HP & 523 lb-ft of torque
- 2.0L Turbo Petrol: 310 HP & 295 lb-ft of torque
- Electric Motor provides: 145 HP & 227 lb-ft of torque
Volvo XC60 Recharge Towing Capabilties
Now, in other markets such as the UK the S60 & V60 Recharge do have a lower towing capacity than the XC60, but only by 220lbs (100kg). However, in the US the XC60 Recharge has been given a much higher towing capacity at 3,500lbs compared to the S60 or V60 at 2,000lbs.
The reason I bring this is up is because in the UK as the towing capacities are so similar, I actually recommend choosing the V60 Recharge wagon/estate if possible due to the longer EV range. While the V60 and XC60 feature the same battery size the difference in their EPA rated range is notable.
While the V60 has an officially rated EV range of 41 miles, the XC60 rates is only capable of 36 miles. Part of the reason in the XC60 is heavier by about 223 lbs, but really, its the SUV body style which is the more significant factor. Higher riding vehicles have more aerodynamic drag and hence less range from the same sized 18.8kWh battery.
However, with the US specification vehicles as the XC60 can tow quite a bit more than the V60 its more of a compromise. Then, again, the US version is still quite a bit down on towing capacity compared to the UK rated version at 2,100kg (4,960 lbs). Just another example to add to my US vs UK Tow Car Comparisons.
Lots Of Power & AWD With A Twist
As Volvo increased the battery capacity they must have also thought ‘we can now put in a larger electric motor’ so they did. The rear electric motor fitted to the XC60 Recharge has been upped from around 84 HP to 146 HP. As a result, the total output figures along with the internal combustion engine for the new XC60 Recharge are pretty crazy at 455 HP & 523 lb-ft of torque.
Hence, more than enough power and torque to tow 3,500 lbs up any gradient you’ll come across on the road. But let’s discuss for a second how the PHEV drivetrains of Volvo cars work. The internal combustion engine drives the front wheels only and the electric motor drives the rear wheels only.
Therefore, these are AWD vehicles, but they can only provide all-wheel-drive traction when the internal combustion engine is also running. They cannot drive around in AWD mode purely on electric power as say a Toyota RAV4 Prime can for instance.
Furthermore, you cannot lock Volvo PHEV models into EV mode only, if you push the accelerator hard, the internal combustion engine will start. Now, some people don’t like that if they wish to conduct their daily driving (not towing) with only electrical energy, and I get that, but it needs more context.
The dashboard in the Volvo PHEVs shows how you’re accelerating and at what point the ICE will kick in. Hence you do have control to not use the ICE, you just have to be light on your right foot and pay attention to the dashboard.
First Impressions Of The Volvo XC60 Recharge ER
So, just the clarify the title ‘ER’ stands for Extended Range, as of this moment Volvo is still selling the original XC60 Recharge with the smaller batter and significantly lower EV range. They are not doing that in other markets such as the UK. Therefore I suspect when it comes to 2023 the only version you will be able to buy in the US will be the latest version with the 18.8kWh battery.
I cannot add into this article any car journalist video reviews yet as there aren’t any available, but I’ve included a first impressions video by Alex on Autos from his new EV focused channel. Alex provides a good summary of how the PHEV drivetrain works on the Volvo XC60 Recharge.
Something else Alex brings up in his video above is the BEV vs PHEV debate, which I’ve previously discussed my self from a tow car perspective. While I want to mainly promote BEVs where possible, when it comes to towing in particular there are still significant challenges to address, charging while towing being a classic example.
My point being, yes, if you buy a PHEV and don’t plug it in that’s a terrible idea. However, if you have a PHEV with a practical EV range over 30 miles to conduct most daily commuting you would only really need to use the ICE when on long trips/towing.
My Thoughts On The Volvo XC60 Recharge…
As discussed above, as of writing this article Volvo is still selling the previous generation vehicles with the smaller battery/less range and less power as early 2022 model year. The updated versions above are late 2022 spec cars, so don’t make a mistake if you’re interested in buying one.
In terms of what I think about the new Volvo XC60 Recharge, yeah, pretty impressive, practical EV range for daily commuting and lots and lots of power for towing a trailer/RV up to 3,500 lbs.
If there is one feature I find a little disappointing its the 3.5kW charger. Really, Volvo should be offering a 7kW charger at this price point and it should be included in the standard price. But its not even offered as an option which is odd, as it would get the recharging time down to 2.5 hours.
