Volvo XC90 T8 TwinEngine Plug-In Hybrid, Owner'S Manual

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STARTING AND DRIVING
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383
Available drive modes
HYBRID
This is the default mode.
The vehicle normally starts in
Hybrid
mode
6
. The
engine management system uses both the elec-
tric motor and gasoline engine (separately or in
tandem) and calculates the optimal levels of per-
formance, fuel consumption and comfort. At
higher speeds, ground clearance is reduced
automatically to help reduce wind resistance.
The amount of driving done using only the elec-
tric motor in
Hybrid
mode is determined by the
hybrid battery's charge level and the need for
heating/cooling in the passenger compartment.
If sufficient electrical energy is available, only the
electric motor will be activated when the driver
presses the accelerator pedal up to a certain
level. Above this level, the gasoline engine will
start.
The instrument panel gauge when both the electric
motor and gasoline engine are being used
The long needle in the gauge indicates the
amount of energy that the vehicle is currently
using. The short white line between the "light-
ning" and "oil drop" symbols indicates the
amount of energy available. See also the article
"General information about the XC90 T8 Twin
Engine Plug-in Hybrid" for additional information.
The gasoline engine starts when the response
required when the driver presses the accelerator
pedal cannot be provided by the electric motor
alone.
The gauge also indicates when the battery is
being recharged (regenerated) during light brak-
ing. See the article "Brakes" for additional infor-
mation.
When the hybrid battery's charge level is low, the
gasoline engine will start more often to help con-
serve electrical energy. Charge the battery with
the charging cable as soon as possible or switch
to the
Save
drive mode.
PURE
This mode activates the electric motor only with
as low energy consumption as possible and the
lowest possible carbon dioxide emissions.
Ground clearance will be lowered to help reduce
wind resistance and certain climate system func-
tions will be reduced.
Pure
mode is available when the hybrid battery is
sufficiently charged. If the level gets too low, the
gasoline engine will start.
The gasoline engine will also start:
•
If the vehicle's speed goes above approx.
75 mph (125 km/h)
•
If the driver wants more response than the
electric motor alone can provide
•
If factors such as cold weather, etc., affect
the system or components
To restart the climate system functions that have
been reduced in the mode, press the,
AUTO
or
defroster buttons.
6 Unless the vehicle was switched off in Off Road mode. If so, it will restart in Off Road mode.