Go the extra mile. No plug-in required.

The Mild Hybrid reduces engine load for a smoother ride with reduced fuel consumption and lower tailpipe emissions.

Smoother drive

The mild hybrid technology adds to a more refined driving experience. The engine restarts instantly and you can enjoy smoother drive from standstill.

Lower fuel consumption

The integrated starter generator actively reduces engine load for lowered fuel consumption, especially in urban driving situations.

More power

Using recuperated electric energy, the integrated starter generator boosts the combustion engine for more powerful acceleration.

Our mild hybrid car range

XC40

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XC60

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XC90

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A mild hybrid car - how does it work?

All Volvo gas cars are now mild hybrids. The mild hybrid, also known as MHEV or the integrated starter generator (ISG), is a powertrain that utilizes both a combustion engine and an electric motor to minimize CO2 emissions, improve the fuel economy and provide performance benefits. The ISG is used to 1) start the engine 2) brake or slow the car, and thereby recover brake energy that is stored in the 48V battery. This energy is then used to help boost the combustion engine when accelerating. The mild hybrid system delivers great fuel economy benefits on some of our most popular models. For example, fuel economy figures jump by as much as 2 MPG in both city and combined in our 2023 XC90 B5 AWD.

Model (AWD) City / Hwy / Combined
2022 XC90 T5 20 / 28 / 23
2023 XC90 B5 22 / 28 / 25
Improvement +2 / -- / +2
Source: U.S Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
 
Source: Volvo Car Corporation Vehicle Testing

What are the benefits?

Apart from reduced fuel consumption and lower tailpipe emissions, the mild hybrid provides a more seamless and instant take-off in your vehicle. By recuperating the brake energy, your Volvo can become more efficient and provide smoother and more linear acceleration.

What is the difference between a mild hybrid and a Plug-In Hybrid?

  Mild Hybrid Plug-In Hybrid
Plugs in to wall for charging? NO YES
Has fully electric range? NO YES
Has high voltage battery? NO / 48V YES / 400V
Uses regenerative braking? YES YES
Uses an electric motor to enhance the combustion engine YES / 13HP YES / 143HP

Our other electrified powertrains

Plug-in fully electric

The full electric powertrain - for a silent, powerful and refined zero tailpipe emission driving experience.

Learn more about fully electric

Plug-in hybrid

The powerful combination of an electric motor and petrol engine can allow zero tailpipe emission commuting in fully electric mode, as well as fuel-efficient long-distance driving in Hybrid mode.

Learn more about plug-in hybrids