New Volvo Plug-In Hybrid to Include Level 2 Charger

Volvo Car Corp.'s XC90 T8 plug-in-hybrid crossover will be the first PHEV to get a standard dual-volt charger when U.S. sales begin later this year.

The new model, which is already available in Europe, will come equipped with a portable Level 2 charger that can be used with a standard 120-volt or 240-volt outlet. The device is supplied by Monrovia, Calif.-based AeroVironment Inc. The company says the system is the industry's smallest dual-volt charging cord set and the only one to receive Underwriters Laboratories Inc.'s "UL Listed" designation for battery performance and safety.

Using the charger and a 240-volt Level 2 outlet, the XC90 can be fully charged in 2.5 hours three times faster than with a 120-volt Level 1 cord set. The charger is waterproof and can be used safely at outdoor electrical outlets, according to AeroVironment.

The new Volvo XC90 T8 uses a turbocharged/supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine to power the front wheels, and a 60-kW electric motor to drive the rear axle. Combined output is 394 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque.