We will soon only see electric Volvo models coming out of the South Carolina plant with the first model being the electrified XC90.
The automotive world is turning to electricity in a way it never has before. This factory is currently undergoing a makeover to EV models, and it will be the global hub for the new electric XC90 that will be shipped around the world for drivers to enjoy and show off with luxury excellence.
A Movement Away from the Mentality
For several years, Volvo has embraced a “build where you sell” mentality that has many plants around the world building vehicles in the market where these vehicles are going to be used. The South Carolina plant will become the export hub for the new electric lineup and be where the electric models of the Polestar division are built. This plant is going to be extremely busy as the electric models grow.
Which Models Will be Offered?
The South Carolina facility is capable of producing 150,000 vehicles per year, and that number will be dedicated to electric Volvo models going forward. When the conversion takes place, the first model that will be made will be the XC90 Recharge, followed by the Polestar 3 electric SUV. These two vehicles will set the tone for the Volvo name and bring electrification to the brand.
Adding Pure Electric to the Name
The new model has not found its way to dealers or been reviewed yet, but the change from the hybrid version of the XC90 will add Pure Electric to the name. Currently, the hybrid version of the XC90 is called Recharge, so we expect this new electric Volvo to be called XC90 Recharge Pure Electric. We can surmise this from the models that were revealed earlier this year by the brand.
Three Forms of the XC90 Recharge
Until the reveal of the 2022 models, we have to look at what 2021 brought us to have an idea of what we might see when the new models appear. There are three versions o the XC90 Recharge that has different features, making this a proper luxury SUV for your family.
XC90 Recharge Inscription Expression
• Plug-in hybrid powertrain
• AWD
• 19-inch alloy wheels
XC90 Recharge R-Design
• Harman/Kardon premium audio system
• Nappa leather upholstery
• 20-inch alloy wheels
XC90 Recharge Inscription
• Perforated Nappa leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• 20-inch alloy wheels
Additional Features from Lower Trims
• Rear sun curtains
• Navigation system
• Heated front seats
• Cooled glove box
• Nine-inch touchscreen
• 12.3-inch digital driver information display
• Hands-free tailgate
• Pilot Assist partially autonomous drive system
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Full LED headlights
• Automatic high beams
• Quad-zone automatic climate control
• Panoramic moonroof
• Front/rear parking sensors
• Power seats
• Four USB ports
• Volvo On-Call Subscription
You can also upgrade this SUV to include an impressive Bowers & Wilkins Audio system that offers you 1,400 watts and 19 speakers to give you the sounds you want to hear during your drive.
The Current Hybrid Powertrain
The 2021 version of this Volvo SUV gives you a 2.0-liter turbocharged/supercharged four-cylinder engine plus an electric motor. With this setup, you get 313 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft of torque from the engine with 87 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque coming from the electric motor. The net output is 400 horsepower, 472 lb.-ft. of torque, and up to 27 mpg combined along with 18 miles of electric driving in this SUV.
The Movement to Electric Driving
With so many qualities, features, and an impressive powertrain, it might be tough to beat this model when building an electric Volvo for us to admire and enjoy. Thankfully, this brand had plenty of experience creating amazing vehicles. We know the new electrified version of the XC90 will have the Lidar safety system, which is a comprehensive package of amazing items for you to enjoy during your drive.
Lidar Will Go Farther for Safety
Even though the XC90 Recharge Pure Electric will be the first vehicle to have the Lidar system, all Volvo vehicles will eventually have this system in the future. Volvo expects this system to be developed to include Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future to give us a vehicle that can learn and develop as we drive.
Big Changes in the Volvo Name
The South Carolina plant is prepared to be the global provider of electric Volvo XC90 models in the near future, the Polestar electric SUVs will be made in this plant, and we will see an amazing safety system that will eventually learn and develop with our driving. If you didn’t think Volvo was leading the way in the auto industry, you certainly might think so now.
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