While some plug-in vehicle owners steer towards hard-wired wall-mounted charging stations, other drivers find that portable “trunk chargers” offer a sufficient and convenient solution.

Volvo has announced that its 2016 XC90 T8 will include AeroVironment’s portable TurboCord Dual (120 V/240 V) charger as standard equipment when the new PHEV goes on sale in the US later this year. This marks the first time a plug-in hybrid manufacturer is including a Level 2 capable, 240 V charger as part of its standard equipment package. At 240 V/16 A, the Volvo XC90 can be fully charged in as little as 2.5 hours versus 7 hours with Level 1.

“Volvo Cars has made a strong, customer-focused statement about the direction EV charging is taking,” said AeroVironment VP Ken Karklin. “TurboCord delivers the power, portability and convenience that potential EV buyers have been waiting for.”

For Volvo XC90 buyers, charging their new vehicle will be as simple as taking TurboCord out of the trunk and plugging it in. “TurboCord’s portability and dual capability make it ideal for charging at home and anywhere else an electrical outlet is available,” added Karklin.

Source: AeroVironment