Volvo’s lineup of plug-in hybrids are as thoughtfully designed as they are energy-efficient

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From versatile hybrid powertrains to advanced safety features, Volvo is reimagining the future of mobility

As we enter a new era of electric mobility, automakers are imagining new possibilities for cars, trucks and SUVs. Volvo, however, has been rethinking the car for nearly a century. From sleek, contemporary designs to world-class technology, its current lineup of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) shows how the Swedish carmaker is leading the way in the electric era.

Volvo’s plug-in hybrid lineup of SUVs, sedans and wagons is thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, but without sacrificing luxury. “You can think of Volvo’s PHEVs as electric cars with a backup plan,” explains Stefan Diklich, product manager for Volvo Cars Canada. With up to 64 kilometres of electric driving¹ (depending on the model), they offer more than enough range for most Canadians’ daily lives. “Most people can commute back and forth to work in less than 60 kilometres, do errands and other small trips, or whatever the case may be,” says Diklich. “But if you want to go farther on your trip, you have that option of using the gasoline engine. It’s really giving the customer a chance to experience the lifestyle of owning a battery electric vehicle without committing 100%.”

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For Canadians looking for vehicles that are intelligently designed, dependable and planet-friendly, Volvo’s PHEVs use cutting-edge technology to create a new standard of personalized comfort and advanced mobility. An intelligent and intuitive centre display with Google built-in puts essential information at your fingertips. With Google Assistant, you can navigate directions, enjoy entertainment, make and receive phone calls, and even control the temperature of the cabin — without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. Just say, “Hey Google” to get started. Google Maps, meanwhile, provides best-in-class navigation, appearing on both the centre console and the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Need to charge on the go? Just ask Google to find you the nearest charging station while you focus on the road ahead. With Google Play, you can easily download your favourite apps on your car just as you would on your phone.

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Not all of Volvo’s advanced technology is limited to their vehicles, however. Using the Volvo Cars app you can lock and unlock your car, check your battery charge level, or even book your next service appointment. You can also preheat or precool the car to create your ideal environment before you get on the road — which can also preserve the battery if the vehicle is plugged in. Volvo also sets itself apart with an available advanced air cleaning system that prevents up to 95 per cent of hazardous particles from entering the cabin so you can enjoy the benefits of cleaner air.

With innovations like the three-point seatbelt and many Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards, Volvo has had a reputation as one of the safest car manufacturers around for decades. Volvo’s commitment to safety continues in 2022 with a full suite of advanced safety features like lane keeping aid and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), along with features like seats designed to absorb energy and reduce vertical forces to prevent spinal injuries in the event of a collision. “No matter what car you get, you’re going to be as safe as Volvo can make it,” says Diklich.

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At Volvo, however, protecting people also means taking steps to reduce the impact of cars on the planet. “We’re making our people safe but what are we doing to reduce our impact on the environment?” poses Diklich. To answer this question, the carmaker has set an ambitious goal to become a climate-neutral and circular company by 2040. In the interim, Volvo aims to reduce their carbon emissions per vehicle by 40 per cent between 2018 and 2025, addressing emissions within their operations and supply chain, as well as tailpipe emissions. This has resulted in features like the interior of XC90 Recharge model, which is available upholstered in a responsibly sourced tailored wool blend. “Materials like the optional wool blend can be a great sustainable alternative to leather,” Diklich says.

Volvo’s versatile PHEV powertrains combine the sustainability of an EV with the range of an internal combustion engine, but that’s far from the only impressive feature in store. From thoughtful design to innovative safety features, the brand is hard at work reimagining the car for the electric mobility era. This, of course, is nothing new for a company that has been working to make mobility safer, more efficient and more luxurious for nearly a century.

Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with Volvo. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.