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What does a PHEV become when it grows up? And do
we need yet another electrified-vehicle acronym? Techni-
cally, a hybrid with a plug is a PHEV, but some argue that
a vehicle with a substantial electric range is a different
animal. Chevy called its Volt an EREV, and Seattle-based
startup Maxwell Vehicles is calling its plug-in cargo van
conversion an RHEV (range-extended hybrid electric
van).Maxwell Vehicles retrofits RAM
ProMaster vans with plug-in
powertrains
Maxwell’s RHEV is a Dodge RAM ProMaster upfitted
with a PHEV powertrain manufactured by GM (thus it’s
a hybrid in more ways than one). It sports an 18 kWh
battery pack and a 120 kW electric transaxle, and deliv-
ers 40 miles of electric range.
Maxwell sells built-to-order RHEVs, which can be
made from new or refurbished ProMasters. The compa-
ny also converts customers’ existing vans. Conversions
start at $32,990, and new RHEVs start at $46,990.Volvo, which previously announced plans to offer elec-
tric powertrains across its entire model range, now says it
will add PHEV variants of the XC60 SUV and new V60
wagon to its 2020 line-up. Both vehicles will be available
in summer 2019 and will feature Volvo’s sporty Polestar
Engineered trim.
The vehicles’ powertrain software has been optimized
to provide faster access to torque and to focus additional
power to the rear wheels. This optimization allows the
T8 Twin Engine PHEV to produce 415 hp and 494 lb-ft
of torque.
Vehicles with the Polestar Engineered trim, which
includes both PHEVs, will also feature enhanced suspen-
sion from Swedish company Öhlins, as well as six-piston
brake calipers and alloy wheels.
Volvo USA CEO Anders Gustafsson said, “Polestar
Engineered modifications to the XC60 and V60 offer an
additional dose of performance to an already powerful,
responsive and efficient vehicle.”
Volvo adds 415 hp PHEV
versions of its XC60 SUV and
V60 wagon to 2020 lineup
Images courtesy of Maxwell VehiclesImages courtesy of Maxwell VehiclesTHE VEHICLES