Volvo plans to launch hybrids in India this year

Volvo India revealed that they plan to introduce hybrid vehicles in India this year. Though the manufacturer didn't reveal the line-up, we expect the carmaker to launch the hybrid version of the XC90 first.

Chief executives at Volvo believe that tighter emissions rules in Europe will push up the price of diesel cars to the point where plug-in hybrids will become an attractive alternative. With their plan of introducing these hybrid cars globally, we can expect some models to be launched in India as well.

So instead of a diesel-hybrid version of their flagship XC90 vehicle, we can expect the petrol hybrid version to be introduced in India. The XC90 Plug-In Hybrid with the T8 Twin Engine, is Volvo's first seven-seater plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. This is the range-topping vehicle that is powered by a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol Drive-E engine and a rear axle electric motor. The petrol mill sends power to the front wheels and an 80bhp electric motor drives the rear wheels.

Globally, this XC90 hybrid is available in three trims - Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. This vehicle costs between $68,100-$71,600 (Rs 42-44 lakh).