Volvo Plug-In Hybrid Charging Guide
It’s natural to be a bit confused about charging your Volvo plug-in hybrid, particularly if you’re a newcomer to the world of electrified vehicles. Perhaps you’ve been intimidated by the idea of finding or using a public station, or maybe you’re unsure where to start with developing a home charging routine. Whatever the case, Germain Volvo Cars South Hills has you covered with this guide, aimed at answering most of the questions essential to plug-in hybrid ownership.
Volvo PHEVs and Charging Levels
Often, you’ll see charging capabilities described as “Level 1,” “Level 2,” or “Level 3.” Here’s a quick look at what those terms mean:
| Voltage | Output | Charging Rate | Time to Full Charge | Where Found | |
| Level 1 | 120 volts AC | 1.4-1.9 kW | 2-3 miles of range/hour | 11-16 hours | Standard household outlets |
| Level 2 | 208-240 volts AC | 3.8-19.2 kW | 6-8 miles of range/hour | 4-5 hours | Home or workplace charging stations |
| Level 3 | 400-1,000 volts DC | 50-350 kW | N/A | N/A | Commercial travel stops or dedicated charging networks |
It’s important to note that Volvo plug-in hybrid vehicles, including the XC60 and XC90, do not support Level 3 charging. So, from this point forward, we’ll exclusively focus on Levels 1 and 2.
Options for Home Charging
Essentially, there are two ways to charge your Volvo XC60 or XC90 PHEV at home. The first is to connect it to a standard household outlet. This will replenish your battery’s 32-35 miles of pure electric range in roughly 11-16 hours.
However, for safety and efficiency reasons, it is strongly recommended that you install a Level 2 charging station near your driveway or garage. While that may sound like an overwhelming prospect, Volvo has partnered with charging station providers and installers that have helped thousands of drivers get set up with stations. We’d be happy to connect you with those partners and answer any further questions you may have about the installation process!
What if I Live In an Apartment?
Though living in a property you don’t own complicates the home charging issue, there are plenty of workarounds. First, if you have dedicated off-street parking, check with your property manager — if they don’t already have a charging station available, they may be willing to let you install one. If that’s not an option, you can still connect to standard outlets or use public stations.
Publicly Charging Your Volvo PHEV
Many new EV or plug-in hybrid owners worry about the idea of finding and using public charging stations. While that’s a valid concern in some cases, one of the benefits of driving a PHEV is that it’s not at all necessary to keep your battery charged if you can’t find a compatible charging station. Should it be depleted on the road, your XC60 or XC90 will simply behave like a traditional gas-powered vehicle.
On the other hand, if you’d prefer to retain hybrid capabilities at all times, you’ll be able to use a growing number of Level 2 public charging stations, often located outside of shopping centers, workplaces, and other locations where people typically spend enough time to complete a charge. Using one isn’t at all complicated; simply arrive, follow the instructions on the screen, and plug your vehicle in.
Locating Public Charging Stations
Your XC60 or XC90 comes with Google Built-In, and its integrated Google Maps navigation system can not only show you the location of all charging stations, but also the ones specifically compatible with your PHEV. If you’re not behind the wheel, the Volvo Cars app can help you locate stations as well, while monitoring your vehicle’s charging progress, and managing payments.
Shop Volvo PHEVs at Germain Volvo Cars South Hills
We hope that this guide has offered some clarity to Volvo plug-in hybrid ownership, which is a great way to enter the world of electrified vehicles without committing to a full-bore EV. Of course, if you still have any questions, the team at Germain Volvo Cars South Hills is available and ready to help drivers from all across the Pittsburgh region, including Belle Vernon, Baldwin, and Washington, explore the Volvo PHEV lineup. Stop in today to check out our great selection of XC60s and XC90s, and see why they’ve become two of the brand’s most popular choices!