Volvo Car South Africa has experienced a remarkable surge in sales for its plug-in hybrid models, indicating a growing demand for electrified vehicles in the local market.
In the first nine months of 2023, registrations for Volvo’s plug-in hybrid vehicles in South Africa increased by over 33% compared to the same period in 2022.
This achievement follows the company’s recent announcement of its dominance in the fully electric premium C-SUV segment.
The XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid, currently the flagship model in Volvo’s South African lineup, played a pivotal role in this sales success, with registrations for this model improving by more than 55% year on year.
The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid continued to be popular among South African buyers, with sales for this model increasing by a further 19% compared to the first nine months of the previous year.
Both the XC60 and XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrids, available in four well-equipped variants locally, combine a highly efficient turbocharged petrol engine with a rear-mounted electric motor powered by an upgraded 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
These vehicles boast impressive total system outputs of 340 kW and 709 Nm in each case.
Not only do they deliver exceptional performance, but the XC60 Recharge plug-in powertrain also offers an impressive all-electric range of 81 km, while the XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid provides up to 77 km of zero-emission driving, according to WLTP data.
Greg Maruszewski, the Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, highlights this capability as a significant selling point.
He emphasizes that the improved battery capacity allows customers to choose electric power for a significant portion, if not all, of their daily commute, while still having the flexibility to embark on longer journeys with the assistance of the petrol engine.
This flexibility resonates increasingly with South African buyers, contributing to the brand’s success in the market.
Volvo Car South Africa has made a commitment to electrification, with every derivative in their range featuring some form of it.
This includes mild-hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles. The company’s goal is to have half of its global sales volume made up of fully electric cars by 2025, with the other half being hybrids.
By 2030, Volvo plans to sell only completely electric vehicles, showing their dedication to a zero-emission future.
This is a bold move for the Swedish luxury firm, and one that sets them apart in the automotive industry.
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