Charging the hybrid battery

In addition to the conventional fuel tank, your vehicle is also equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion hybrid battery.

 Warning

California Proposition 65

Operating, servicing and maintaining a passenger vehicle can expose you to chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine except as necessary, service your vehicle in a well ventilated area and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.

The hybrid battery can be recharged using the charging cable stored in a storage space in the trunk.

 Warning

The hybrid electrical system in your vehicle uses high voltage electrical current. Any damage to this system or to the hybrid battery may result in the danger of overheating, fire, or serious injury. If the vehicle is involved in a collision or subjected to flooding, fire, etc., have it inspected by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician. Prior to this inspection, the vehicle should be parked outdoors at a safe distance from any building or potentially flammable materials.

The hybrid battery's charging time depends on the charging current used.

 Note

The capacity of the hybrid battery diminishes somewhat with age and use, which could result in increased use of the gasoline engine and consequently, slightly higher fuel consumption.

 Warning

If the hybrid battery needs to be replaced, this may only be done by a Volvo retailer or authorized Volvo workshop.
P5-1519-XC90 Hybrid - Charging US
Charging cable handle and charging socket.
Charging status is indicated in three ways:
  • The indicator lights in the charging module (the unit connected to the wall outlet).
  • Indicator light in the vehicle's charging socket.
  • Images and text in the instrument panel.

The start battery is charged while the hybrid battery is charging and stops charging when the hybrid battery is fully charged.

If the hybrid battery's temperature is below -10 ºC (14 ºF) or above 40 ºC (104 ºF), some of the vehicle's functions may be reduced or not available at all.

The electric motor cannot be used if the battery's temperature is too low or too high. If the PURE drive mode is selected, the gasoline engine will start.

Charging using the gasoline engine

P5-1717-ALL hybrid-Hybrid meter charging change values
The vehicle generates electrical current to charge the battery, e.g. when the driver lightly presses the brake pedal or when engine braking is used on downgrades.

The vehicle can also generate current to the hybrid battery to charge it.

  • The hybrid battery can also be recharged by lightly depressing the brake pedal, i.e. during light braking. This converts the vehicle's kinetic energy to electrical energy, which is used to charge the hybrid battery.
  • In gear position B, the electric motor brakes the vehicle when the accelerator pedal is released and the hybrid battery is recharged at the same time.
  • The combustion engine can also help recharge the hybrid battery.

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