Volvo’s hybrid batteries last for around 10 years with an 8-year warranty and other starter batteries last up to 5 years.
The hybrid batteries are lithium-ion batteries. Volvo offers an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty for its hybrid batteries, whichever comes first. However, Volvo claims that batteries are designed to last even longer than 10 years, making it almost as long as the lifetime of your vehicle.
Volvo hybrid cars
Volvo made its first hybrid car in 2017, as Volvo’s first step towards their electrification commitment. As of now, Volvo only makes hybrid or electric cars, resulting in the exceptional fuel economy in Volvo cars. Volvo hybrid cars include two types of hybrids: mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars.
The mild-hybrid cars are made to reduce carbon emissions and provide better fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids can even run solely on batteries at times. The carbon emissions are even lower in plug-in hybrids, compared to mild-hybrids or other full-hybrid cars.
Mild-Hybrid cars: Battery assists the engine
In this type of hybrid car, there is a comparatively smaller battery which only assists the combustion engine. The car cannot run solely on battery power. However, the batteries provide better acceleration and even more comfortable rides. The mild-hybrid cars have a 48-volt battery, which is rechargeable through regenerative brakes.
The benefits of mild-hybrid cars are fewer compared to full hybrids or plug-in hybrids, but they certainly give better fuel economy. The fuel is also saved when the car is not running. The system also gives better aid to the start/stop button.
Plug-in hybrid cars can run on batteries
Plug-in hybrids have a bigger battery which can even run the entire car. The battery has to be fully charged through a charging toolkit provided by Volvo or from a charging station. The PHEVs can run up to 18 miles entirely on battery, which can save a lot of fuel if you drive in the city.
The car can also run in a hybrid mode, which saves fuel and recharges the battery itself. This saves up to 60% in fuel expenses with even more reduced carbon emissions. The fuel economy of PHEVs is around 60 mpg depending upon your vehicle.
Volvo Hybrid batteries don’t need maintenance
The hybrid batteries made by Volvo have a long lifespan of around 10 years. The batteries are lithium-ion and have an energy quantity of 11.2 kWh. The batteries do not require any maintenance, and they are rechargeable. In plug-in hybrids, the batteries have to be recharged by plugging in, but in mild hybrids, this is not necessary.
Hybrid batteries don’t need any maintenance. The batteries have a certain capacity that can reduce over time, decreasing their range. The decrease in the range can indicate that the battery’s capacity has been reduced. In this case, the combustion engine will run more than the electric motor, resulting in more fuel usage. The battery should be replaced in this circumstance.
Cost
Although Volvo claims that the hybrid batteries can run up to 10 years and starter batteries can run up to 5 years, they will still need to be replaced if they don’t hold a charge anymore. Hybrid batteries are normally pretty expensive, even more than the starter batteries. Normally, they cost from $1000 to $5000. However, they have a much longer lifespan and need little to no maintenance.
Tips to make hybrid batteries last longer
Hybrid batteries can save you a lot on fuel, but sadly they do not last forever. Although the batteries may eventually need to be replaced after a certain mileage and time, there are some useful ways to make them last longer:
• Give acceleration at stops – When the car is stopped at a light or in traffic, constantly give a little acceleration. This avoids the car from going directly into gas mode and the car keeps using the battery, which helps to cycle the batteries. This also increases fuel economy, as the gasoline engine won’t be used.
• Don’t stop your car immediately – Instead, use a little bit of coasting to stop the car. Let the car coast to stop, which helps in creating kinetic energy.
• Start the car slowly – Don’t bang your foot on the accelerator immediately after starting the car.
• Use your car regularly – The car should be used regularly. This is the easiest tip and it prolongs the battery life. Hybrid batteries when not in regular use are prone to discharge sooner.
Volvo is going electric
Volvo has been producing its hybrid cars since 2017. So far, the batteries seem pretty reliable with a very low number of complaints. They have also stopped making any fossil-fuel-based engines and shifted to hybrids or pure electric cars, aiming to go solely-electric in the near future.
FAQ
How are hybrid batteries made?
Hybrid technology is one of the most ambitious projects combating pollution and climatic change. There are three types of hybrid batteries:
1. Lithium-ion battery
2. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
3. Lead Acid batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the most powerful ones with the best acceleration. This is the type Volvo uses. It is also the latest addition to electric cars. The expected life of an average lithium-ion battery is around 15 years or 150,000 miles. These batteries are expected to be the longest-lasting batteries, but they have the disadvantage of higher cost
The NiMH batteries are older than li-ion batteries, and they are also cheaper as compared to li-ion batteries. They have been in the market for long and they have better compatibility and versatility. However, they have a shorter life than li-ion batteries.
Lead Acid batteries are the oldest in this field and the cheapest. They can also be recycled and sold for a good price. They have a proven performance and can run 10 miles on fully electric mode. The disadvantage of a lead-acid battery is that it stores less energy as compared to the other two.
What do hybrid cars contain?
Hybrid cars are one of the most important inventions. The car is powered by two sources. One is a conventional internal combustion engine and the other is an electric motor. The electric motor is run by the batteries stored in the car and these batteries are recharged through regenerative batteries. In the case of PHEV, the batteries can also be charged through a plug-in source.
What are some of the best hybrid cars to buy in the USA?
There are many hybrids in the United States. The first-ever hybrid introduced was the Toyota Prius. After that, the market has just filled up with hybrid cars. Some of the best hybrid cars of 2021 are:
- Honda Accord Hybrid
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
- Toyota Camry Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota Prius
