The Next Volvo XC60 Will Run On Electric Propulsion

Taking a significant step towards its electrification goals, Volvo has revealed that the next iteration of the world's favourite Volvo model, the XC60 SUV, will get an all-electric powertrain. This comes alongside Volvo’s announcement of a joint venture with Swedish battery company Northvolt for battery tech development and production.  

We’re yet to get confirmation on whether the new XC60 will completely ditch internal combustion engines but the electric model could get a closed-off front grille. This is the design trait that distinguished the XC40 Recharge from its internal combustion engine counterpart. 

Coming to the joint venture, the two companies will develop a new range of sustainable batteries that will power future Volvo and Polestar models. The next-gen XC60 will be the first model to utilise these batteries. Meanwhile, an R&D centre that will be set up in Sweden will be fully operational by 2022. There are also plans to set up a battery factory in Europe by 2026, with a capacity of 50GWh per year. Volvo will begin sourcing batteries from Northvolt by 2024 with plans to secure 15GWh of battery cells from the latter every year.

All this is a part of Volvo’s vast electrification plans, which includes 50 percent pure electric models by 2025 and a full conversion by 2030. Currently, the XC40 Recharge and the C40 remain Volvo’s only pure electric offerings.

While Volvo is yet to reveal a timeline for the debut of the next-gen Volvo XC60, we expect it around 2024, which is when it plans to start sourcing Northvolt battery tech. Volvo recently gave the current-gen model a midlife refresh, which should make its way to India soon. Expect it to retail at a premium over the current model priced at Rs 60.90 lakh (ex-showroom). 

As for the next-generation model, it will likely take a lot longer to reach Indian shores.  It will rival the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, and the upcoming facelifted Audi Q5