Volvo’s Mild Hybrid Technology Explained

When you head to Bedard Brothers Volvo Cars in search of a Volvo V90 Cross Country, Volvo S90, or Volvo XC60 for sale, you will eventually hear the term "mild hybrid" bandied around. Most Volvo vehicles are available with mild hybrid powertrains, which is one of several ways that Volvo uses electric technology in all its vehicles for improved efficiency and performance.

Despite mild hybrids representing a significant amount of total Volvo sales, many people are unfamiliar with the term. With many automakers, Volvo included, putting their recent focus and marketing on battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, it's understandable that mild hybrids could get lost in the shuffle. However, knowing the basics of a mild hybrid is still important when shopping for your new Volvo. So what's a mild hybrid, and what does it do for a vehicle's performance and eco-awareness? This guide to mild hybrids has everything you need to know.

How a Mild Hybrid Car Works

A mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) is a type of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). This type of hybrid combines an internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric motor/generator, and a small battery to power the vehicle. However, you don't plug them in to recharge the battery; instead, the battery self-charges as you drive. This comes from a combination of power from the ICE and regenerative braking, which involves capturing and storing the kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost from the braking process.

Volvo mild hybrids use a 48V battery rather than the 12V battery that is standard in traditional gasoline cars. The vehicle uses this battery to start the engine and help power it, although the vehicle cannot run on the battery alone. The hybrid battery can also directly power auxiliary devices such as sound systems, leaving more engine and electrical power available for driving.

How Does a Mild Hybrid Improve Performance?

The primary purpose of hybrid technology is to boost fuel efficiency. In a mild hybrid, the near-instant starting and restarting from the 48V battery allows the vehicle to shut off the engine when you're coasting, slowing, or at a stop to conserve fuel. This effect is especially notable in rush hour traffic and city driving. Mild hybrid technology can increase fuel economy by up to 15% while noticeably reducing emissions.

Mild hybrids also feel better behind the wheel. The engine and electric motor together offer a little more torque than a gasoline engine-only vehicle, letting you accelerate smoother and quicker. According to Volvo testing, the B6 mild hybrid engine that replaced the T6 ICE can cover 36% more ground in four seconds from a standstill. You'll feel that extra surge off the line or when traveling up a steep hill.

Other benefits of a mild hybrid vehicle include:

• It's more affordable than other hybrid technologies, with an often minimal cost increase from a regular gas engine, letting you experience better performance and efficiency even if you're on a tight budget.
• You don't need to worry about finding a place to plug in and recharge or running out of battery, making daily driving and trips more convenient.
• The vehicle still drives, behaves, and sounds like a traditional combustion engine vehicle, so there's no adjustment period to get used to the new technology.

Now, let's compare mild hybrids to the other hybrid technologies you might find when shopping for a vehicle like the Volvo XC60 or S60.

Mild Hybrid vs Full Hybrid

Like the mild hybrid, a full hybrid (FHEV) is classified as an HEV. The difference is that the battery and electric motor are much larger in a full hybrid than in a mild hybrid. This allows the vehicle to run exclusively on battery power at low speeds for short distances, providing more fuel economy benefits and more of a boost to power and torque. The downside is that they are more expensive than mild hybrids. Volvo does not currently offer any FHEV models.

Mild Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid

Of the three main types of hybrids, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is the most advanced. It has the largest electric motor and battery, thus giving you the biggest upgrade in efficiency, power, and acceleration. The battery is big enough that you can drive on battery power alone at highway speeds for significant distances. The 2024 XC60 Recharge PHEV, for instance, has an estimated electric range of 36 miles.

However, there are two drawbacks. One is that the PHEV is the most expensive hybrid technology. The second is that the battery is too big to effectively recharge on engine power and regenerative braking alone. As such, you must plug the vehicle in to fully recharge it. This isn't as big a deal in urban areas that have a large EV charging infrastructure. However, charging station options are limited in more rural areas like ours.

What Volvo Vehicles Have Mild Hybrid Technology?

Starting with the XC60 in 2019, Volvo has offered a variety of MHEVs. The initial lineup of Volvo vehicles to get the MHEV treatment in North America included the XC60 SUV, the S60 and S90 sedans, and the V90 Cross Country wagon. Volvo has since added the XC40 SUV, XC90 SUV, and V60 Cross Country wagon to the mild hybrid lineup.

The gas savings from a mild hybrid are noticeable. In the case of the Volvo XC60, the 2021 model-the final model with an ICE-only powertrain-got an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined. When the 2022 model received mild hybrid technology, mileage jumped to 26 MPG combined, and the estimated total range increased by nearly 20 miles.

Of the seven vehicles we've mentioned, five of them-the XC60, XC90, S60, S90, and V60-are offered as a mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid (the plug-in versions are designated as "Recharge" models). This gives you plenty of ways to find an HEV that fits your needs. In addition, Volvo now offers a growing inventory of fully electric vehicles, such as the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, allowing you to escape from gasoline entirely if you desire.

Get a Mild Hybrid from Bedard Brothers Volvo Cars

Volvo has been at the forefront of the shift to electric vehicle technology-today, every single new Volvo uses some form of hybrid tech or is all-electric. Each technology serves a unique purpose and has advantages depending on where and how you drive.

An MHEV Volvo is an excellent option when you want to be more eco-conscious but have a smaller budget or live in an area where there is limited access to EV charging stations. By choosing a mild hybrid, you can reduce your carbon footprint and improve overall performance without significantly changing any driving habits. Plus, you'll get the refined luxury you expect from a Volvo.

If you're looking for a mild hybrid Volvo vehicle around northwestern Massachusetts or southern Vermont, visit Bedard Brothers Volvo Cars in Cheshire, MA. We are the area's leading dealer of new and Certified Pre-Owned Volvo sedans, SUVs, and station wagons with mild hybrid technology. Shop our inventory online anytime, or contact us to set up a test drive. We are a family-owned and operated dealership that has been committed to offering an extraordinary vehicle-buying experience for over 70 years.