Volvo wants future PHEVs to offer more electric range, with the XC70 already delivering up to 124 miles in China.
The company sees plug-in hybrids as a way to get hesitant buyers comfortable with electric driving without giving up a gasoline engine.
Volvo remains committed to fully electric vehicles.
Volvo went hard on electrification over the past few years, rolling out models like the EX30, EX60, and EX90. But with EV demand slowing, particularly in the US, the Swedish automaker is putting more emphasis on plug-in hybrids again. And this time, it wants them to offer enough electric range that owners can actually use them like EVs.
Speaking with Autocar, Volvo UK boss Nicole Melillo Shaw said the company still sees plug-in hybrids as a "stepping stone" for customers who aren't ready to make the switch to a fully electric vehicle. But she also believes PHEVs need enough electric range to be used as intended, rather than simply being driven like gasoline-powered cars.
