Volvo's Hybrid Sales Skyrocket in South Africa
Volvo Car South Africa has seen a substantial increase in plug-in hybrid model sales, reflecting the rising demand for electrified vehicles from this Swedish luxury brand in the local market. During the first three quarters of 2023, sales of Volvo's plug-in hybrids in South Africa surged by over 33% compared to the same period in 2022. This follows the company's success in leading the fully electric premium C-SUV category.
The XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid, the top model in Volvo's local range, played a significant role in this growth, with its registrations increasing by over 55% year-over-year. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid also gained popularity, witnessing a 19% rise in sales compared to the first nine months of the previous year.
The XC60 and XC90 Recharge models are available in South Africa in four well-equipped variants. They feature a combination of a turbocharged petrol engine and a rear-mounted electric motor powered by an 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. Both models deliver 340 kW and 709 Nm of total system output.
The XC60 Recharge offers an 81 km all-electric range, while the XC90 Recharge provides up to 77 km, according to WLTP data. Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, highlights the increased battery capacity as a significant attraction, offering customers the flexibility to use electric power for daily commutes and the petrol engine for longer trips.
Volvo Car South Africa's entire range includes some form of electrification, aligning with Volvo's global goal of half its sales being fully electric cars by 2025 and the other half hybrids. By 2030, Volvo aims to sell only fully electric vehicles, underlining its commitment to a zero-emission future.
