Volvo has finally revealed the T8 powertrain. This powertrain will be powering the XC90 SUV’s plug-in hybrid version and makes use of an electric motor in collaboration with a supercharged and Turbocharged Drive-E 4-cylinder engine by Volvo. The hybrid system is capable of being used in only electric mode thus resulting in zero emissions or can be used along with the Internal Combustion Engine for enhanced power.
The petrol engine is capable of cranking 318-hp and a torque of 400Nm while powering the front wheels. According to the company, the Drive-E is capable of producing power equivalent to engines twice its size all thanks to the turbocharger and the supercharger which greatly increase its outputs.
Electric power is drawn from a battery of high voltage that creaes 87-hp and has been mounted at center of the tunnel running down the car’s chassis’ middle. As per Volvo, placing the battery at this place allows them to make use of the interior space and thus enables the XC90 T8 to carry 7 persons along with their baggage. The battery is hooked up to the electric motor which powers rear wheels and can provide 82-hp while working alone.
The car also contains a starter-generator (CISG) located between the transmission and engine allowing the electric and petrol motors to work without any flaw. The unit can generate 34kW and apart from working as a starter motor, it also provides an extra 150Nm worth of torque when used in collaboration with the petrol engine. The battery’s charge is maximized due to the regenerative braking system and allows the harvesting of energy when the users lift off the throttle.
The temperature of all this electric hardware assembly has been maintained by Volvo via two circuits. The first circuit tackles the CISG and electric motor whereas the second system works by keeping the battery cool in passive mode but can be used actively by the car’s climate control system. Such an intricate assembly of petrol and electric motors lets the user drive in 5 different modes. The pure electric mode only makes use of the electric motor and can cover a range of 40 km while the power mode uses electric motor and the petrol power to help the car accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. All-wheel drive, selected manually, also makes use of both motors to impart more traction while eco saving mode makes the car retain battery charge for later use. Through the hybrid mode, the car alternates between electric and petrol motor for the best possible fuel efficiency.
The T8 emits only 59 g/Km on the New European Drive Cycle while giving a fuel efficiency of 2.5L/100km and a US driving cycle fuel economy of 59 MPG. Let us know what you think about Volvo’s new powertrain in the comments !
The only problem with these electric vehicles is are very expensive and there is no incentive in South Africa for using zero emission cars.
Comparing electric vehicle with gas, I find the same results in 6 years in terms of cost.