2024 Volvo V60 T8 Polestar Edition - w/o charging @ home
Discussion
Long name for the Volvo offering, I know.
I am currently thinking of trading in my 2021 V60 Momentum on a 2024 V60 T8 Polestar Edition.
Here is the conundrum....I was initially contacting the local dealers to see if there were any regular ( gas only ) 2023/24 V60's out there to be had as I was thinking that this year or next year was the last time they would be offered..........and.......... I was wrong.
The only current offering from Volvo is the top of the line V60 T8 Polestar. Not that I have a problem with the lovely creation that Volvo has presented, I love a wagon, always have. But.............
We do not have the ability to reliably charge the car at home. We have no driveway or guarantee that we can get it close enough to charge overnight to get the battery properly charged to use the battery as designed.
We really could only use the "B" selection on the shifter/menu while driving to use the regen braking function. As well as the other option to charge the battery while driving at highway speeds using the gas engine. Yes....... I am aware that using the gas engine to charge the battery is most likely the least efficient way to charge the battery and almost counterintuitive but that is all we can access.
Anyone out there with a similar hybrid with extremely limited access to overnight charging that has experienced this and still thinks it is a good idea/works?
I really want to stay in the traditional wagon profile without stepping into an SUV.
Did I mention I am in Canada? In the city we live in the infrastructure for access to street charging is laughable. The closest public charger is 17 blocks away. Unrealistic that we will ever use it.
No other wagons are on offer here from BMW, MB, or Audi.
Thanks in advance,
Arthur : )
I am currently thinking of trading in my 2021 V60 Momentum on a 2024 V60 T8 Polestar Edition.
Here is the conundrum....I was initially contacting the local dealers to see if there were any regular ( gas only ) 2023/24 V60's out there to be had as I was thinking that this year or next year was the last time they would be offered..........and.......... I was wrong.
The only current offering from Volvo is the top of the line V60 T8 Polestar. Not that I have a problem with the lovely creation that Volvo has presented, I love a wagon, always have. But.............
We do not have the ability to reliably charge the car at home. We have no driveway or guarantee that we can get it close enough to charge overnight to get the battery properly charged to use the battery as designed.
We really could only use the "B" selection on the shifter/menu while driving to use the regen braking function. As well as the other option to charge the battery while driving at highway speeds using the gas engine. Yes....... I am aware that using the gas engine to charge the battery is most likely the least efficient way to charge the battery and almost counterintuitive but that is all we can access.
Anyone out there with a similar hybrid with extremely limited access to overnight charging that has experienced this and still thinks it is a good idea/works?
I really want to stay in the traditional wagon profile without stepping into an SUV.
Did I mention I am in Canada? In the city we live in the infrastructure for access to street charging is laughable. The closest public charger is 17 blocks away. Unrealistic that we will ever use it.
No other wagons are on offer here from BMW, MB, or Audi.
Thanks in advance,
Arthur : )
I have an XC40 T5 plug-in hybrid.
It only makes financial sense because I can plug it in overnight on cheap rate electricity, and I regularly do short journeys in Pure electric mode.
Of course it is perfectly possible to just drive in hybrid mode without plugging in, but it will cost more to run.
If you can't plug in, the petrol/diesel/mild hybrid versions make more sense. Is the "B" mild hybrid version not available in your market?
It only makes financial sense because I can plug it in overnight on cheap rate electricity, and I regularly do short journeys in Pure electric mode.
Of course it is perfectly possible to just drive in hybrid mode without plugging in, but it will cost more to run.
If you can't plug in, the petrol/diesel/mild hybrid versions make more sense. Is the "B" mild hybrid version not available in your market?
Thanks for the reply.
There are no diesel options.
The T8 on offer does have the available "B" drive mode. One more click below D to engage highway charging of the battery from the petrol engine and regen from the brakes.
I am struggling to see if it could work but, as you say, pure electric makes the most sense (economically) with this purchase if you can plug it in overnight.
And it really needs an overnight charge. 8 hours on 110/120 volt. 5 hours on 220/240 volt.
Hmmmm.
There are no diesel options.
The T8 on offer does have the available "B" drive mode. One more click below D to engage highway charging of the battery from the petrol engine and regen from the brakes.
I am struggling to see if it could work but, as you say, pure electric makes the most sense (economically) with this purchase if you can plug it in overnight.
And it really needs an overnight charge. 8 hours on 110/120 volt. 5 hours on 220/240 volt.
Hmmmm.
My XC40 aT5 has a "B" driving mode on the gear selector. It just engages regenerative braking, rather than letting the car coast, when you lift your foot from the accelerator pedal.
It has separate "hold" and "charge" buttons.
I use "B"driving mode when going downhill, or slowing before lower speed limits.
Volvo model naming can get a bit confusing:
T means petrol
D means diesel
P means battery only
B means mild hybrid.
T Recharge means petrol plug-in hybrid
Can you buy the B3, B4 or B5 petrol hybrid models in your market? They would be the better option if you can't plug in. T recharge only makes financial sense if you can plug it in. You are spending thousands to get a big battery that you won't make any use of.
It has separate "hold" and "charge" buttons.
I use "B"driving mode when going downhill, or slowing before lower speed limits.
Volvo model naming can get a bit confusing:
T means petrol
D means diesel
P means battery only
B means mild hybrid.
T Recharge means petrol plug-in hybrid
Can you buy the B3, B4 or B5 petrol hybrid models in your market? They would be the better option if you can't plug in. T recharge only makes financial sense if you can plug it in. You are spending thousands to get a big battery that you won't make any use of.
The B6 V60 was available up until 2023. Now they have moved onto the 2024 T8 recharge Polestar edition.
Might be the end of the Volvo wagon for us.
I wanted to hear what others like yourself might have experienced. The extra expense of the hybrid will be under-utilized by us.
Curious what the near future holds for those without access to a private drive or dedicated parking where minimal investment has taken place to build a public charging network.
Thank you for your input.
Arthur
Might be the end of the Volvo wagon for us.
I wanted to hear what others like yourself might have experienced. The extra expense of the hybrid will be under-utilized by us.
Curious what the near future holds for those without access to a private drive or dedicated parking where minimal investment has taken place to build a public charging network.
Thank you for your input.
Arthur
You're probably aware the B6 is basically the same engine as in the Polestar just minus the plug-in bit. Assuming a Canadian spec V60PS is the same as the UK ones, you'll also do without the Brembos, Ohlins, fancy wheels and gold trim bits. How important they are is up to you, but if you can get the PS Optimization software you'd have the same petrol engine power and gearbox map as the PS Edition.
Are you likely to ever get under your car with a suspension spanner and play with the dampers, I'd venture most people won't. Arguably the biggest trick Volvo missed with the PS cars, as I'd imagine most people buying M/AMG/RS product are not expecting to be fettling with suspension themselves. I think Volvo should have tuned the air suspension they use on the SUVs to suit.
As you've noted, using the Charge mode is pretty pointless from a cost perspective which really negates the point and additional cost of a PHEV. Who knows what the future hold for plug-in vehicles as the infrastructure and housing stock do present challenges in any pert of the world.
Are you likely to ever get under your car with a suspension spanner and play with the dampers, I'd venture most people won't. Arguably the biggest trick Volvo missed with the PS cars, as I'd imagine most people buying M/AMG/RS product are not expecting to be fettling with suspension themselves. I think Volvo should have tuned the air suspension they use on the SUVs to suit.
As you've noted, using the Charge mode is pretty pointless from a cost perspective which really negates the point and additional cost of a PHEV. Who knows what the future hold for plug-in vehicles as the infrastructure and housing stock do present challenges in any pert of the world.
Yes, I made my initial call to the dealer because I was thinking that 2024 might be the last year for the B6. I was wrong. 2023 is the last year and they are now only taking orders for 2024 which pushes me into the T8 recharge as it is the only wagon available (and who knows how long that will be) before moving to an SUV. And yes, I don't really need the Ohlin's or Brembo's but it certainly looks the business.
I asked about any demo/dealer cars that they might have out there that will be coming back into the dealer ship but there is only one and the manager wanyts to hang onto it as it is the last of the ICE only V60's now available.
Did I mentioned..I really like wagons. : )
I asked about any demo/dealer cars that they might have out there that will be coming back into the dealer ship but there is only one and the manager wanyts to hang onto it as it is the last of the ICE only V60's now available.
Did I mentioned..I really like wagons. : )
I currently have a V60 T6 Re-Charge as a company car. As you probably already know, the V60 is a great car and I cant recommend it highly enough.
The UK company car tax system means that there are financial benefits to having a plug-in hybrid but no penalty or reward regardless of wither your charge it or not. Due to this I rarely charge mines as there is no incentive or dis-advantage to charge it or not (if that makes sense???).
However, I do drive the car everywhere in 'B' mode and use the regenerative braking, which is almost one pedal driving. This does help with the battery efficiency but it is no where near enough to put any real charge back in.
Driving this way, realistically its on average a 42mpg (UK) car. (35mpg US).
On occasion I have used the 'charge mode' to charge the battery when driving but this seriously increased the fuel consumption to the low 30's (UK). (26/7 US).
Its a difficult one, because like you, if prefer an estate (wagon) to an SUV, but they are becoming rarer.
If you have any other questions, let me know and I will try and help out.
The UK company car tax system means that there are financial benefits to having a plug-in hybrid but no penalty or reward regardless of wither your charge it or not. Due to this I rarely charge mines as there is no incentive or dis-advantage to charge it or not (if that makes sense???).
However, I do drive the car everywhere in 'B' mode and use the regenerative braking, which is almost one pedal driving. This does help with the battery efficiency but it is no where near enough to put any real charge back in.
Driving this way, realistically its on average a 42mpg (UK) car. (35mpg US).
On occasion I have used the 'charge mode' to charge the battery when driving but this seriously increased the fuel consumption to the low 30's (UK). (26/7 US).
Its a difficult one, because like you, if prefer an estate (wagon) to an SUV, but they are becoming rarer.
If you have any other questions, let me know and I will try and help out.
As you do, I prefer the wagon.
I have ordered one to replace our existing V60 ICE version. In black.
Goes well with our '95 T5-R black wagon that I have had since 2000.
I think that I will drive mostly in "B" mode once I get used to the one pedal drive idea.
I will never realize the full potential of the hybrid due to our lack of home charging but am interested to see how much this will affect the drivability of the car. I feel that the car will be such a nice place to be that the extra expense is worth it from my point of view.
Thank you for your input.
I have ordered one to replace our existing V60 ICE version. In black.
Goes well with our '95 T5-R black wagon that I have had since 2000.
I think that I will drive mostly in "B" mode once I get used to the one pedal drive idea.
I will never realize the full potential of the hybrid due to our lack of home charging but am interested to see how much this will affect the drivability of the car. I feel that the car will be such a nice place to be that the extra expense is worth it from my point of view.
Thank you for your input.
s-x-i said:
I currently have a V60 T6 Re-Charge as a company car. As you probably already know, the V60 is a great car and I cant recommend it highly enough.
The UK company car tax system means that there are financial benefits to having a plug-in hybrid but no penalty or reward regardless of wither your charge it or not. Due to this I rarely charge mines as there is no incentive or dis-advantage to charge it or not (if that makes sense???).
However, I do drive the car everywhere in 'B' mode and use the regenerative braking, which is almost one pedal driving. This does help with the battery efficiency but it is no where near enough to put any real charge back in.
Driving this way, realistically its on average a 42mpg (UK) car. (35mpg US).
On occasion I have used the 'charge mode' to charge the battery when driving but this seriously increased the fuel consumption to the low 30's (UK). (26/7 US).
Its a difficult one, because like you, if prefer an estate (wagon) to an SUV, but they are becoming rarer.
If you have any other questions, let me know and I will try and help out.
Hi there, The UK company car tax system means that there are financial benefits to having a plug-in hybrid but no penalty or reward regardless of wither your charge it or not. Due to this I rarely charge mines as there is no incentive or dis-advantage to charge it or not (if that makes sense???).
However, I do drive the car everywhere in 'B' mode and use the regenerative braking, which is almost one pedal driving. This does help with the battery efficiency but it is no where near enough to put any real charge back in.
Driving this way, realistically its on average a 42mpg (UK) car. (35mpg US).
On occasion I have used the 'charge mode' to charge the battery when driving but this seriously increased the fuel consumption to the low 30's (UK). (26/7 US).
Its a difficult one, because like you, if prefer an estate (wagon) to an SUV, but they are becoming rarer.
If you have any other questions, let me know and I will try and help out.
You've given some great feedback above and I would be grateful if you could give me some feedback on the spec levels and also the ride comfort of the V60 T8 you have as its one of the cars I'm currently considering. I'm reasonably familiar with the XC60 spec levels (Not an expert but have narrowed it down to an R Design Pro or Inscription Pro if I were to go for a XC60 T8), but not so sure about the V60 T8 spec levels in comparison. Preference for me would be have a car with Harmon Kardon, Pan Roof, Heated Steering Wheel and heated windscreen would be good too but not sure if these are standard or optional on the V60.
In terms of ride comfort I've yet to drive a V60 but tried a T6 XC60 with 22" wheels and the ride was a too crashy around town. To give a bit of context I'm currently in a BMW X3 with 21" wheels, and although it drives really well its probably too much for me as a daily driver. Any feedback you could give on the ride of your V60 would be greatly appreciated.
In terms of electric onyl mileage could you give some idea of the sort of real life mileage you're getting from a full charge?
Apologies to the original poster for hijacking his thread
Well,
I bought one anyway. The car just looks so great.
There are not many options to choose from. They come pretty much loaded.
A Bowers and Wilkins stereo. Panoramic roof. Heated steering wheel are all included for you.
Colours over here are Onyx black, white, thunder grey and a silver colour.
Ours came with a rear cargo cover and sunglasses holder which are options. I don't know how many other options are available.
No spare tire available.
Hope that helps.
Can't tell you about the drive...ours currently has 43 kilometres on it. I do know the seats are very nice. Immediately felt more supportive from our '21 V60.
I bought one anyway. The car just looks so great.
There are not many options to choose from. They come pretty much loaded.
A Bowers and Wilkins stereo. Panoramic roof. Heated steering wheel are all included for you.
Colours over here are Onyx black, white, thunder grey and a silver colour.
Ours came with a rear cargo cover and sunglasses holder which are options. I don't know how many other options are available.
No spare tire available.
Hope that helps.
Can't tell you about the drive...ours currently has 43 kilometres on it. I do know the seats are very nice. Immediately felt more supportive from our '21 V60.
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