Volvo will introduce a new variant of its Twin Engine plug-in hybrid system in 2018, featuring front-wheel drive and a 3-cylinder engine. In 2019 it will launch its first production battery-electric vehicles and a new 48 V mild hybrid system. This news comes from Mats Anderson, Senior Director of Electric Propulsion Systems, who spoke to reporters at the recent SAE Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technologies Symposium, via Green Car Congress.

The new FWD Twin Engine system will feature a 9.7 kWh Li-ion battery located in the tunnel, an electric AC compressor, and a 7-speed transmission with an integrated 55 kW electric motor. Anderson estimated the electric range at about 31 miles.

The 48 V mild hybrid system for gas or diesel engines will use a 10 kW motor, a 0.25 kWh 48 V Li-ion battery, and a separate 12 V AGM battery.

In 2019, Volvo plans to introduce its first battery-electric vehicles, based on a new Modular Electrification Platform, which will allow Volvo to deliver vehicles ranging between 100 and 450 kW of power, with battery packs of up to 100 kWh in size.

Volvo’s BEVs will support AC charging at rates of up to 20 kW, as well as both CCS and CHAdeMO high-speed DC charging.

Anderson said Volvo hopes to have one million electrified Volvos on the road by 2025, and is prepared to support the phase-out of diesels by introducing more electrified powertrains. “We are committed [to electrification]. There is no way back,” he said.

Source: Green Car Congress