Volvo mild-hybrid engines deliver exceptional benefits

Mild-hybrid engines are becoming more popular and many new vehicles now come standard with mild-hybrid powertrains. In 2023, every single new Volvo will feature at a minimum a mild-hybrid engine. Mild hybrids differ from hybrids and plug-in hybrids. A PHEV vehicle, for example, uses a battery with a large capacity to power the engine by itself.

The Volvo mild-hybrid system pairs a 48-volt battery with a 13-horsepower Integrated Starter Generator. This system can provide better performance, smoother accelerations, and improved fuel economy. Here are these three benefits in more detail. 

More efficient performance

The 48-volt system helps improve efficiency by helping at startup, thus reducing the fuel consumption associated with starting the engine. The system also helps under hard accelerations to reduce the consumption and the fuel economy.

A smoother engine

A 48-volt system acts like a buffer, filling in any power gaps and smoothing out the overall behaviour of the engine. Mild hybrid engines have a much more refined performance distribution that never feels interrupted.

Improved performance

Mild-hybrid engines tend to be quicker than their gas-only counterparts with a 48-volt system supplying extra horsepower and torque as needed such as when towing or under hard accelerations. The new Volvo B4, B5, and B6 engines are a lot more powerful than the previous T4, T5, and T6 engines.