Volvo support global standard for electric car charging

Volvo has confirmed its supports for the Charging Interface Initiative - a global drive towards a recognised standard for electric car charging.

The Charging Interface Initiative is a consortium of stakeholders that was founded to establish their Combined Charging System (CCS) as the standard for charging battery-powered vehicles.

The Combined Charging System, which will offer both regular and fast-charging capabilities, makes electric car ownership increasingly practical and convenient – especially in urban environments, which are ideal for electric vehicles. It combines single-phase with rapid three-phase charging, using alternating current at a maximum of 43 kilowatts (kW), as well as direct-current charging at a maximum of 200 kW and the future possibility of up to 350 kW – all in a single system.

Volvo is one of the leading makers of plug-in hybrid cars and will offer a plug-in hybrid variant of every new model as it replaces its entire product portfolio in the coming years. It will introduce a fully electric vehicle by 2019, based on its modular SPA vehicle architecture.

In order to cement the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and ensure that customers fully embrace the technology, Dr Mertens, Volvo’s Senior Vice President for Research & Development said: “We see that a shift towards fully electric cars is already underway, as battery technology improves, costs fall and charging infrastructure is put in place,” said Dr Mertens. “But while we are ready from a technology perspective, the charging infrastructure is not quite there yet. To really make range anxiety a thing of the past, a globally standardised charging system is sorely needed.”

The Charging Interface Initiative is currently in the process of drawing up requirements for the evolution of charging-related standards and certification for use by car makers around the globe.

“We are very happy to support and be involved in the setting of standards for electric vehicle charging systems. The lack of such a standard is one of the main obstacles for growing electric vehicles’ share of the market,” said Dr Mertens.

One in five of all Volvo XC90s sold is a T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid.

Four-seater Volvo XC90 Excellence set for Shanghai debut

Volvo is to unveil a luxurious four-seat version of the XC90 at the Shanghai International Automobile Show. 

The XC90 Excellence has been designed, says Volvo, to offer customers a distinct and individual automotive experience that incorporates the latest Scandinavian innovations in design, refinement, comfort and style.

Based on Volvo’s all new XC90, it has just four seats compared to the original’s seven, creating additional space in the rear to accommodate two individual reclining rear seats complete with massage and ventilation functions as well as a retractable control touchscreen and folding tables.

There’s also a refrigerator with bottle and glass holders, a heating/cooling cup holder and handmade crystal glasses from leading Swedish glass design company, Orrefors. 

Additional cabin refinements include a special Bowers & Wilkins audio system with an extra (twentieth) speaker, passenger footrests, ambient lighting, illuminated storage and unique leather detailing, a luggage compartment dividing screen, extra sound insulation and Pirelli Noise Cancelling System tyres (PNCS).

An integrated ionic air cleaner in the CleanZone climate system works by positively charging electrons in airborne particles (dust or smoke for example) so they are removed from suspension in the cabin environment.

“This is our new flagship car,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design. “We have created the ultimate luxury experience of Scandinavian design. Volvo has never launched a car like this before. This is the car that demonstrates what the name Volvo now means.”

The XC90 Excellence will be available globally later this year and via digital commerce in selected markets, but there are currently no plans to bring it to the UK.

Volvo adds XC90 performance upgrades

Volvo adds XC90 performance upgrades

Volvo adds XC90 performance upgrades

Volvo adds XC90 performance upgrades

Volvo adds XC90 performance upgrades

Volvo is enhancing the performance of the XC90 with a series of Polestar-developed upgrades.

This is the first time that Polestar, Volvo's performance brand, has focused its attention on the new seven-seat SUV. Known as ''Polestar Performance Optimisation', the upgrades improve the power and torque figures of both the D5 diesel and T6 petrol Drive-E engines, particularly at medium revs where it's most effective.

They also make the accelerator responses even quicker, according to Volvo, and alter the settings of the automatic gearbox to provide faster gear changes and prevent gearshifts during rapid cornering, which could unsettle the car. These quicker and more precise responses to driver commands not only make the driving experience more dynamic, they ensure the car responds predictably during high-speed driving.

The maximum output of the D5 Drive-E engine is increased to 233 hp and 500 Nm of torque (up from 225 hp and 470 Nm), while the T6 Drive-E is boosted to 334 hp and 440 Nm (from 320 hp and 400 Nm).

With the Polestar Performance Optimisation, the D4 Drive-E offers 200 hp and 440 Nm (up from 190 hp and 400 Nm), while the output of the T5 Drive-E is raised to 253 hp and 400 Nm (from 245 hp and 350 Nm).

The D4 Drive-E upgrades are available in the S60, V40, V40 Cross Country, V60 and XC60, and the T5 Drive-E enhancements are offered in the V40 and V40 Cross Country.

The price of the D4, D5 (release timing and availability may vary), T5 and T6 Polestar upgrades is £835, including VAT and fitting. The work can be carried out now at any authorised Volvo dealer, and should take about 30 minutes to complete.

Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: "These new Polestar Performance Optimisations make our cars and Drive-E engines even more dynamic and desirable. The combination of increased power and torque - especially at medium revs - and the changes to make the entire drivetrain more responsive ensure that owners will really feel the difference these optimisations make."

Finally, until the end of December 2015, all model-year 2005 to model-year 2015 all-wheel-drive Volvos can be upgraded with the Polestar Performance Optimisation at the discounted price of £620, saving £215.

The Polestar upgrades do not affect the certified emissions and fuel consumption figures, service intervals or Volvo warranty cover.