Plug-in hybrid - introduction

Updated 08/06/2023

The car is driven as a completely normal car. The electric motor drives the car mostly at low speeds, the diesel engine at higher speeds, as well as during more active driving.

Important to know

Warning

Remember that the car does not emit any engine noise when it is only powered by the electric motor and may therefore be difficult to notice by children, pedestrians, cyclists and animals. This applies in particular at low speeds, such as in car parks.

Hazard voltage

Several components in the car operate with hazardous electrical voltage. Do not touch anything that is not clearly described in this owner's manual. Read more about the engine compartment.

Warning

Orange cables marked with a high-voltage decal must only be handled by qualified personnel.

Driving the car

The car is driven as a completely normal car. The electric motor drives the car mostly at low speeds, the diesel engine at higher speeds, as well as during more active driving. Read more about Economical driving.

Drive modes

It is possible to set the car in different drive modes while driving, e.g. electric operation only or, when power is required, both electric motor and diesel engine. The car calculates an optimal combination of driveability, driving experience, environmental impact and fuel economy according to the drive mode selected. Read more about Drive system - drive modes.

Combined instrument panel

Two fields in the combined instrument panel show unique information for the V60 PLUG-IN HYBRID; hybrid battery gauge (current energy level), active drive mode, symbol that is illuminated when the diesel engine is operating, Hybrid Guide as well as energy recovery. Read more about the combined instrument panel.

Preconditioning

In order that the car should have optimal function it is important that the hybrid battery with associated electrical drive systems, as well as the diesel engine and its drive systems, have the correct operating temperature. Battery capacity is reduced considerably if the battery is too cold or too hot. Preconditioning prepares the car's drive systems and the passenger compartment before departure so that both wear and energy needs during the journey are reduced. Read more about Preconditioning the car.

Charging the hybrid battery

Important

Never connect the charging cable when there is a risk of lightning.

The hybrid battery is the Lithium-ion type and can be recharged in different ways. A charging cable with control unit can be connected between the car and a 230V AC socket, see Charging cable with control unit. Charging time depends on charging current.

The electric motor is used as an engine brake during light braking and the car's kinetic energy is converted to electrical energy which is used to charge the hybrid battery. Read more about recycling the brake force energy.

In addition, the diesel engine can charge the electric motor's hybrid battery with a special hazard voltage generator when the need arises, see drive system and drive modes.