Volvo’s new PHEVs beat the Toyota RAV4 with up to 78 miles of electric range

This is car news, not a home energy story, but here's what it means if you're weighing a vehicle purchase alongside home upgrades. Volvo has unveiled new versions of its XC60 and XC90 SUVs as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which run on a battery you charge like an electric car but also have a gas engine for longer trips. The new XC60 can go up to 78 miles on electric power alone, and the XC90 up to 73 miles, thanks to a much larger 41.2 kWh battery — more than double the size of the current models. That tops the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, which offers an EPA-estimated 54 miles of electric range, making the Volvo models the longest-range plug-in hybrids sold in the US.

Both SUVs get styling and interior updates, plus a new infotainment system with Google's Gemini AI assistant. Production starts this fall, with deliveries expected in early 2027. Volvo hasn't announced pricing for these new versions, but for reference, the current 2026 XC60 PHEV starts at $62,545 and the XC90 PHEV at $77,595.

Separately, Volvo is dropping its all-electric EX40 from the US lineup after the 2027 model year, with a smaller electric SUV called the EX50 expected to replace it around $50,000. None of this affects home energy rebates or upgrades directly, but if you're thinking about pairing a new vehicle with a home EV charger or solar setup, it's worth knowing what's coming to the market.