On World EV Day, Volvo Car South Africa highlighted how plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are becoming the go-to choice for drivers seeking to transition away from diesel without compromising power, flexibility, or long-distance capability.
A recent survey of 6,700 South African car owners, including 725 diesel drivers, revealed a growing interest in both hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs). The results suggest that while diesel remains trusted, PHEVs are seen as the logical next step before going fully electric.
Why Diesel Drivers Are Turning to Hybrids
According to the survey, 60% of diesel owners reported that they would consider purchasing a hybrid within the next 3–5 years. For many, hybrids strike the perfect balance:
• Strong performance and torque
• Everyday practicality and lower running costs
• Reliability backed by proven battery tech
Take the Volvo XC60 Recharge, for example. It combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor to deliver:
• 340 kW and 709 Nm of torque
• Up to 82 km of electric range on a single charge
• Fuel consumption as low as 1.6 L/100 km
• Emissions of just 37 g/km
That means you get the punch of a performance SUV with the efficiency of electrified driving.
“Diesel drivers are discerning. They want flexibility, power, and cost efficiency. That’s exactly what hybrids deliver, without the compromises,” says Grant Locke, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa.
EVs: Ready for the Future
While hybrids may be the next step, interest in EVs is growing fast. In fact, 38% of diesel owners are already considering going fully electric.
Volvo’s latest EVs are designed to make long-distance driving realistic:
• The EX90 offers over 600 km of range.
• The upcoming ES90 (launching in 2026) promises up to 700 km (WLTP) and can add 100 km of range in just 10 minutes using a 350 kW fast charger.
To ease the shift, Volvo supports customers with home charging solutions, public charging access, and practical ownership assistance, ensuring EV ownership is as convenient as possible.
Making the Switch Easy
Volvo’s lineup of PHEVs – including the XC60 Recharge and XC90 Recharge – shows that drivers don’t need to sacrifice power or comfort to go greener. With clear total cost-of-ownership savings and a growing charging network, the move from diesel to hybrid or EV is becoming more attractive every year.
“With more than half of diesel owners surveyed planning to buy a car within the next year, plug-in hybrids offer a compelling, practical upgrade,” Locke concludes. “And for those ready to go fully electric, our EV range from the compact EX30 to the flagship EX90 proves just how seamless the transition can be.”
