Search: Volvo Car AB

Volvo Car AB markets the V60 Recharge as a midsize premium estate with a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0 litre petrol engine and a rear-axle electric motor. The latest T8 variant delivers up to around 350 hp and offers an electric-only range of up to roughly 88 kilometres on WLTP, with a floor-mounted lithium-ion battery that preserves cargo space. Charging at home on an AC wallbox typically takes several hours, with Volvo noting most owners plug in overnight.

Why it matters: The V60 Recharge underscores demand for home and workplace AC charging infrastructure as plug-in hybrids become a bridge technology in the premium segment. Fleet and residential charging operators should note the overnight charging pattern Volvo highlights, which shapes utilisation profiles for lower-power AC installations.

While modern EVs carry batteries large enough to power a home for days, only select models include the hardware and software for safe bidirectional charging. Ford's F-150 Lightning leads adoption in the United States, offering up to 9.6 kW of vehicle to home power output for backup during outages or peak shaving. An update from 20 May 2026 notes new V2H capable models from Volvo and the return of the ID.BUZZ.

Why it matters: Procurement teams evaluating fleet electrification or workplace charging must verify V2H compatibility if they plan to use EVs for grid services or resilience, as the feature is not standard across models. CPOs exploring vehicle to grid or vehicle to building revenue streams face a limited pool of compatible vehicles, constraining business case development.

The Odyssey Trust has partnered with Weev to install two 22kW AC chargers, providing four 11kW sockets, in the Laganside car park at the Belfast Odyssey entertainment complex. The charge points, accessible via the My Weev app, fob or contactless payment, serve visitors attending concerts, Giants games and the W5 science centre. The deployment forms part of the Trust's sustainability programme and follows its existing partnership with Agnew Belfast Volvo, which supplies electric EX30 and EX40 vehicles to Belfast Giants players and coaches.

Why it matters: The installation demonstrates how leisure and entertainment venues are adding destination charging to support longer dwell times, while Weev continues to expand its presence in Northern Ireland's commercial property sector. Procurement teams at similar multi use complexes will note the focus on local partnerships and modest, phased infrastructure rollouts rather than large scale deployments.

Volvo Cars has shut down its battery cell manufacturing subsidiary Novo Energy, citing an inability to secure a technology partner. The Swedish carmaker had launched the unit to develop in-house cell production but will now rely on external suppliers for its electric vehicle battery needs. The closure marks a retreat from vertical integration in battery manufacturing amid broader industry consolidation.

Why it matters: The decision signals that even major OEMs face challenges in building independent cell production, potentially increasing reliance on established battery suppliers and affecting future procurement strategies. For charging infrastructure operators, this underscores the concentration risk in the battery supply chain that underpins the vehicles using their networks.