Next-gen Volvo XC90 likely to adopt ‘SPA 1.5’ platform with long-range PHEV

Update (February 20, 2026): The story has been revised with our latest expectations from the powertrain.

Closing out the Volvo Cars Q2 2025 earnings call on July 17, 2025, CEO Håkan Samuelsson addressed reports about the company adding XC90 production to its U.S. facility in South Carolina in October 2028.

While he didn’t confirm any plans, he said, “No. I think I saw that speculation. Also, of course, one day we will need a new XC90 as it was launched sometime in…2015, okay. But I think, now there will be probably more speculation, more than before we can say anything more concrete!”

U.S. production confirmed

At a media roundtable on September 23, 2025, at Volvo Cars’ U.S. headquarters in Ridgeville, South Carolina, Samuelsson provided more clarity, confirming that Volvo will manufacture “a new, next-generation hybrid model” locally, developed specifically for U.S. demand.

“We call it the second generation of hybrids,” he told reporters, as reported by InsideEVs. While technical details weren’t shared, we expect the vehicle to operate for up to 100 miles as an electric car, and the backup engine to extend driving range and fire up during heavy loads.

While the model was not named, Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer, said during the meeting that the XC90’s size and segment represent where the company expects demand for extended-range technology.

We recently announced in U.S. that we will bring a new hybrid into that market, tailored for that market, tailored for the customer, produced in U.S.

Michael Fleiss, Chief Strategy and Product Officer of Volvo Cars, at the Volvo Car Strategy Update on November 6, 2025

Susanne Hägglund, Head of Global Offer at Volvo Cars, had highlighted the SUV’s importance at the Capital Markets Day 2024. “The XC90, which we revealed a new version of yesterday, has sold to almost a million customers,” she said. “We are continuously upgrading our models to make sure that we have appealing choices for all customers.”

SPA 1.5

Swedish publication Carup has learned from its sources that Volvo has resumed the development of the SPA 1 platform of the current SUV. The evolution, called the SPA 1.5, is expected to underpin the next-gen Volvo XC90.

This was expected, as company officials have spoken about releasing long-range versions of the XC90 and XC60 in future updates.

The plan to continue investments in plug-in hybrids, revealed at the company’s Capital Markets Day 2024, reflects Volvo’s revised strategy to balance electrification plans with market reality and customer demand.

When it comes to PHEVs, what we have communicated today is that we are taking a pragmatic approach in how to create a balanced portfolio. We have said that we will continue to invest in our very successful PHEVs that we have today, and also continue to upgrade with long-range versions of those.

Erik Severinson, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Volvo Cars, speaking about future model plans, on September 5, 2024

While Severinson did not specify timelines at the Capital Markets Day 2024, he cited the example of the XC90’s SPA 1 platform, which could support future updates. “With relatively small efforts, we think we can keep those cars very competitive for a long time to come,” he added.

600+ miles of driving range

While it is early to talk about specifications, Volvo could borrow some components like the 1.5L turbocharged gas engine, electric motors, and perhaps even the 3-speed hybrid transmission from its long-range PHEV launched in China last year, the XC70.

We expect more than 600 miles of range (EPA-est.) from the new XC90. Much of the development work is expected to be completed in Sweden.

And we’re also extending our bridge to electrification with groundbreaking second-generation PHEVs, starting with the electric motor and adding a small combustion engine as a backup.

Fredrik Hansson, CFO of Volvo Cars, at the Volvo Car Strategy Update on November 6, 2025

DC fast charging from 0 to 80 percent is possible in 23 minutes, and bi-directional charging lets the battery power electrical tools and appliances in the new XC70. Volvo has said this exact system will not be used on the U.S.-spec model, but we expect similar charging features to carry over.

Common software stack

The next-gen Volvo XC90 should deliver an ownership experience closer to Volvo’s latest EVs than a typical plug-in. Volvo says it will use the same core computing and software stack as its new electric models, which can make updates more frequent and more consistent across the lineup.

For the buyer, that can mean regular over-the-air fixes and feature improvements without a visit to the shop. It’s likely that the next-gen XC90 will run a future iteration of ‘HuginCore,’ with an infotainment system that has Google Gemini.

On software, we now have merged all our cars to one software track. So it means that EX90, ES90, EX60, and all these new cars, including Generation 2 plug-in hybrids, will all be from the same software master.

Anders Bell, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Volvo Cars, at the Volvo Car Strategy Update on November 6, 2025

No LiDAR

Volvo says its new models will not rely on LiDAR for supervised driver-assistance functions. The company has learned to deliver capability using cameras and radar, and plans to reduce dependence on LiDAR so it can continue making cars even if supply is disrupted.

For buyers, that means the next-gen XC90 can still offer advanced ADAS features expected of a Volvo.

So, we’re still investing heavily, and we’ll continue to roll out more and more advanced automation functions in the stack presented, which now spans also to our generation two plug-in hybrids.

Anders Bell, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Volvo Cars, at the Volvo Car Strategy Update on November 6, 2025

Differentiated strategy

Volvo is addressing the uneven global adoption of electric vehicles. Not all countries are moving quickly towards electric cars, so the company has to invest in plug-in hybrids to ease this transition.

These long-range PHEVs will help the transition for Volvo Cars globally, but perhaps they are most important in China where the premium electric car transition is taking longer.

Erik Severinson, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Volvo Cars, during the Capital Markets Day 2024 on September 5, 2024

Volvo still aims to be an all-electric brand by 2030, but the new PHEVs will serve buyers in regions with limited charging infrastructure or heavy reliance on traditional fuels.

That said, customers looking to go fully electric will have the option of both the EX90 and EX60 this year. These cars use the SPA 2 and SPA 3, respectively.