Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (2021 year). Manual in english - page 26

Using the steering wheel paddles

•

Shiftlock (p. 443)

•

to shift

(p. 441)

•

The kickdown function (p. 443)

Using the steering wheel paddles

to shift

The steering wheel paddles are a supplement
to the gear selector and make it possible to
shift manually without removing your hands
from the steering wheel.

The function is available in position

": Shift down one gear.

": Shift up one gear.

Change

To shift:

–

Pull one of the paddles toward the steer-
ing wheel and then release.

As long as the engine speed (rpm) is within
the permissible range for the selected gear, a
gear shift will take place each time a paddle is

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442

pulled. The current gear will be displayed in
the instrument panel.

In the

position, the paddles are automati-

cally activated.

Instrument panel when the paddles are activated for

shifting in manual mode.

Activating the steering wheel paddles
in the D position

To be able to shift gears using the paddles,
they must be activated:

–

Pull one of the paddles toward the steer-
ing wheel.
> A number in the instrument panel indi-

cates the current gear being used.

Instrument panel when the paddles are activated for

shifting.

Turning off the steering wheel paddles
in the D position

Manual deactivation

–

Pull the right paddle (

) toward the steer-

ing wheel and hold it there until the num-
ber in the instrument panel goes out.
> The transmission will return to the

position.

Automatic deactivation

The steering wheel paddles will switch off
after a short time if they are not being used.
The number of the current gear will no longer
be displayed in the instrument panel. If engine
braking is currently being used, the paddles
will remain active until engine braking stops.

Related information

•

Shifting gears with automatic transmis-
sion (p. 440)

•

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443

Shiftlock

The automatic transmission's shiftlock func-
tion helps prevent inadvertently moving the
gear selector between different positions.

Automatic shiftlock

The automatic shiftlock has a separate safety
system.

From Park – P or Neutral – N

To move the gear selector from

another gear selector position, the brake pedal
must be depressed and the ignition in mode

For some transmission variants, the engine
must be running.

If the gear selector is in

and the vehicle has

been stationary for at least 3 seconds (with or
without the engine running), the gear selector
will be locked in that position.

Messages in the instrument panel

If the gear selector is locked in position a mes-
sage will appear in the instrument panel e.g.

Gear lever

Press brake pedal to activate

gear lever

There is no mechanical shiftlock function.

Related information

•

Shifting gears with automatic transmis-
sion (p. 440)

•

The kickdown function

Kickdown can be used when maximum
acceleration is needed e.g. when passing.

When the accelerator pedal is depressed all
the way to the floor (past the normal full accel-
erator position), the transmission will auto-
matically engage kickdown, i.e. immediately
shift down to a lower gear.

If the accelerator pedal is released from the
kickdown position, the transmission will auto-
matically shift up again.

Safety function

The transmission control module is equipped
with a downshift protection feature to help
prevent the engine from overheating.

In some conditions, the transmission will pre-
vent downshifting/kickdown if this would lead
to such high engine speed (rpm) that the
engine could be damaged. If the driver still
attempts downshifting or kickdown at a high
rpm, nothing will happen and the original gear
will remain selected.

With kickdown, the vehicle can downshift one
or more steps at a time depending on the
engine speed. The vehicle upshifts when the
engine reaches its maximum rpm to prevent
engine damage.

Related information

•

The Launch function

Launch can be used to provide maximum
acceleration from a standstill. The function is
available for the drive modes:

Hybrid

Constant AWD

Power

and

Individual

Activating Launch

Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the wheels are pointing straight ahead.

1. Put the gear selector in

position.

2. Depress the brake pedal fully.

3. Then fully depress the accelerator pedal.

4. Release the brake pedal within 2 seconds.

If the Launch function does not work, wait
a few minutes to let the driveline reach
working temperature before trying again.

CAUTION

The driveline is exposed to wear when
using Launch and the function is therefore
only available a limited number of times.

Related information

•

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444

Automatic transmission symbols

and messages

If a problem occurs with the transmission, a
symbol and a message are displayed in the
instrument panel.

CAUTION

Check the operating temperature of the
transmission to help avoid damage to any
of the drive system components. If there is
a risk of overheating, a warning symbol will
appear in the instrument panel and a text
message will be displayed. Follow the rec-
ommendations given.

Symbol Meaning

A fault has occurred in the trans-
mission.

Read the message in the instru-
ment panel.

Hot or overheated transmission.

Read the message in the instru-
ment panel.

Temporary fault in driveline.

Read the message in the instru-
ment panel.

Related information

•

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

All-wheel drive (AWD

), also called four-

wheel drive, means that power is distributed
to all four wheels, which improves traction.

The electric motor that powers the rear wheels
enables electronic all-wheel drive functionality.
All-wheel drive reacts differently depending on
which drive mode is selected.

Related information

•

Low Speed Control (p. 456)

•

•

Transmission (p. 439)

Drive systems

The vehicle combines a combustion engine
for the front wheels and an electric motor for
the rear wheels.

Two drive systems

Depending on the selected drive mode and
power available in the electric motor, the drive
systems can either be used separately or in
tandem.

The electric motor gets its energy from a
hybrid battery located under the tunnel con-
sole. The hybrid can be charged from a wall
outlet or in a special charging station. The
combustion engine can also charge the hybrid
battery using a special high-voltage generator.

Both the combustion engine and the electric
motor can generate power directly to the
wheels. An advanced control system coordi-
nates both the drive systems to help optimize
driving economy.

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445

Hybrid battery - The hybrid battery's func-
tion is to store electrical current. This
energy is provided by plugging the charg-
ing cable into an electrical outlet, through
regenerative braking or from the high-volt-
age generator. This provides current to
power the electric motor and to temporar-
ily power the electrical air conditioning to
precondition the passenger compartment.
Combustion engine - The combustion
engine starts when the charge level in the
hybrid battery is too low to provide the
power output requested by the driver.
High-voltage generator

- Charges the

hybrid battery. Starter for the combustion

engine. Can provide the combustion
engine with extra electrical current.
Electric motor - Powers the vehicle using
electricity. Can provide extra torque and
power during acceleration. Provides elec-
trical all-wheel drive functionality. Regen-
erates braking energy into electrical cur-
rent.

Related information

•

General information about electric vehi-
cles (p. 402)

•

Starting and stopping the combustion
engine (p. 445)

•

Economical driving (p. 459)

•

Transmission (p. 439)

Starting and stopping the

combustion engine

An advanced control system determines the
distance that the vehicle can be driven on the
combustion engine, electric motor, or both at
the same time. When driving on only the
electric motor, the vehicle may automatically
start the combustion engine due to outside
circumstances, e.g. low ambient tempera-
tures. This is completely normal. The com-
bustion engine will also always start when
the hybrid battery is nearly fully discharged.

Climate settings at low temperatures

At low ambient temperatures, the combustion
engine will sometimes start automatically to
help achieve the desired passenger compart-
ment temperature and air quality. The amount
of time the combustion engine is running can
be affected by

•

lowering the temperature

•

reducing blower speed

•

activating

Pure

drive mode.

Using the electric motor in hot or cold
weather

At very low or high ambient temperatures, the
electric motor's driving range and power may
be reduced and affect how often the combus-
tion engine automatically starts.

All Wheel Drive

CISG (Crank Integrated Starter Generator) – combined high-voltage generator and starter.

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446

Emission control system

To help ensure that the emission control sys-
tem is as energy-efficient as possible, the
combustion engine will run for several minutes
after it is started. The amount of time the com-
bustion engine needs to be used varies
depending on the temperature of the three-
way catalytic converter.

WARNING

California Proposition 65

Operating, servicing and maintaining a pas-

senger vehicle can expose you to chemi-

cals including engine exhaust, carbon mon-

oxide, phthalates, and lead, which are

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other reproduc-

tive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid

breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine

except as necessary, service your vehicle in

a well ventilated area and wear gloves or

wash your hands frequently when servicing

your vehicle. For more information go to

Related information

•

Drive systems (p. 444)

•

•

Range (p. 460)

•

Drive modes

Drive modes affect the vehicle's driving cha-
racteristics in different ways to enhance and
simplify the driving experience in certain
types of situations.

Drive modes enable easy access to the vehi-
cle's many functions and settings in different
driving situations. Each drive mode is adapted
to help optimize driving characteristics.

•

Steering

•

Engine/transmission/all-wheel drive

•

Brakes

•

Pneumatic suspension

and shock absorb-

ers

•

Instrument panel

•

Climate control settings

Select the drive mode that is adapted to the
current driving conditions. Keep in mind that
not all drive modes are available in all situa-
tions.

Available drive modes

WARNING

Please be aware that there is no sound

from the engine when the vehicle is being

be difficult to detect by children, pedes-

trians, cyclists and animals. This is particu-

larly true at low speeds e.g. in parking lots.

WARNING

Do not leave the vehicle in an unventilated

area with a drive mode activated and the

combustion engine switched off. The

engine will start automatically if the charge

level in the hybrid battery is low and the

resulting exhaust gases can be very harm-

ful to people and animals.

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447

Hybrid

•

This is the default mode in which the elec-
tric motor and combustion engine work
together.

The vehicle starts in

Hybrid

mode. The control

system uses both the electric motor and the
gasoline engine – separately or in tandem –
and adapts utilization with regard to perform-
ance, fuel consumption and comfort. At high
speeds, ground clearance is automatically
lowered

to reduce air resistance. Driving

capacity on the electric motor alone is deter-
mined by factors such as the hybrid battery's
charge level, the need for heat or cooling in
the passenger compartment, etc.

If there is sufficient charge in the battery, it is
possible to drive solely on electric power.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed, only
the electric motor will be activated until the
battery reaches a certain charge level. Above
this level, the current in the battery cannot
supply the power requested by the accelerator
pedal and the combustion engine will start.

When the hybrid battery's charge level is low,
the combustion engine will start more fre-
quently to save the remaining current in the
battery. Charge the hybrid battery from a
120-240 volt outlet using a charging cable, or
activate

Charge

in Function view to reset the

option of only using the electric motor.

This drive mode is designed for low energy
consumption with a mix between the electric
motor and gasoline engine, without compro-
mising on climate comfort or driving experi-
ence. When faster acceleration is requested
by the driver, the electric driveline will be uti-
lized to help provide maximum additional
power.

The vehicle also monitors the driving condi-
tions and automatically engages all-wheel
drive if necessary. All-wheel drive and extra
electric power are always available regardless
of the battery's charging status.

Information in the instrument panel

When driving in Hybrid mode, a hybrid gauge
will be displayed in the instrument panel. The
gauge will indicate the amount of electrical
current required when the driver depresses
the accelerator pedal. The marker between the
lightning and the drop shows how much cur-
rent is available.

The instrument panel gauge when both the electric

motor and the combustion engine are being used.

The instrument panel also shows
how much current is being restored
to the battery (regenerated) during
light braking.

For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

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448

Pure

•

Uses the electric motor only, with the low-
est possible energy consumption and car-
bon dioxide emissions.

This drive mode prioritizes the use of the
hybrid battery. Ground clearance is lowered

to reduce air resistance and certain climate
system functions are reduced to provide the
longest possible driving distance using only
electricity.

Pure

mode is available when the hybrid bat-

tery is sufficiently charged. Even in

Pure

mode, the combustion engine will start if the
charge level in the battery gets too low. The
combustion engine will also start

•

if the vehicle's speed goes above
125 km/h (78 mph)

•

if the driver requests more power than the
electric motor can provide

•

if factors such as cold weather affect the
system or components.

The combustion engine may start tempo-
rarily in certain situations when

Pure

drive

mode is used. This is to provide the wheels
with the desired torque in driving situations
that require higher loads, such as when
towing a trailer or driving up a hill.

This drive mode is adapted for the longest
possible driving distance with electric propul-
sion and is primarily intended for use in city
driving.

Pure

helps provide the lowest possi-

ble consumption even when the hybrid battery
is fully discharged. ECO climate is activated to
control the climate in the passenger compart-
ment, and in slippery road conditions slightly
more wheel spin may be permitted before all-
wheel drive is automatically activated.

ECO Climate

Pure

mode, ECO climate is automatically

activated in the passenger compartment to
help reduce energy consumption.

When the

Pure

drive mode is activated,

settings for certain climate system and
electricity consuming functions are
reduced. Some of these settings can be
reset manually, but full functionality will
only be restored by leaving

Pure

mode or

adapting the

Individual

drive mode to full

climate system functionality.

If condensation forms on the windows, tap the
max defroster button, which will function nor-
mally.

For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

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449

Off Road

•

Prioritizes the vehicle's ability to traverse
difficult terrain or poor roads.

In this mode, ground clearance

is high, steer-

ing is light, and all-wheel drive and Hill
Descent Control are activated.

This drive mode is only available at low
speeds, up to 40 km/h (25 mph). If this speed
is exceeded,

Off Road

mode will be cancelled

and

Constant AWD

mode will be activated

instead.

All-wheel drive requires both the combustion
and electric motor to be in continuous opera-
tion, which results in higher fuel consumption.

Off Road

mode, a compass will be dis-

played between the speedometer and the
tachometer in the instrument panel. The per-
missible speed range will be shown in the
speedometer.
This drive mode is adapted for optimal control
when driving at low speeds on very poor roads
or difficult terrain. It raises the chassis

reduces driveline throttle response, and locks
the vehicle in all-wheel drive. The Hill Descent
Control function facilitates controlled driving
on steep downgrades.

This drive mode is not designed to be used
for normal street driving.

Changing drive mode (p. 451)

Due to the increased ground clearance, if
the

Off Road

mode was selected when

the engine was switched off, the suspen-
sion will lower when the engine is restar-
ted.

CAUTION

Do not use the

Off Road

drive mode when

towing a trailer without an electrical con-
nection. This could result in damage to the
pneumatic suspension system's bellows.

Constant AWD

•

Improves the vehicle's traction and han-
dling by increasing all-wheel drive.

This drive mode locks the vehicle in all-wheel
drive. An adapted distribution between front
and rear axle torque provides effective control,
stability and traction, e.g. on slippery roads or
when towing a heavy trailer or another vehicle.
The

Constant AWD

drive mode is always

available regardless of the hybrid battery's
charge status.

Both the combustion engine and the electric
motor are engaged to enable all-wheel drive,
which results in higher fuel consumption.

In the other drive modes, the vehicle automati-
cally adapts the need for all-wheel drive
according to the road surface, and can acti-
vate the electric motor or start the combustion
engine as needed.

Power

•

The vehicle gets sportier driving characte-
ristics and a faster acceleration response.

This drive mode adapts the combined power
from the combustion engine and the electric
motor by providing power to both the front
and rear wheels. Gear shifting will be faster
and more distinct and the transmission will
prioritize gears with a higher traction force.
Steering response is faster, suspension is
stiffer and ground clearance is lower

to help

reduce body roll when cornering.

Both the combustion engine and the electric
motor are engaged to enable all-wheel drive,
which results in higher fuel consumption.

For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

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450

This drive mode is adapted for optimal per-
formance and response during acceleration. It
changes the throttle response, gear shifting
program and turbo boost system. Chassis set-
tings and steering and brake response are also
optimized. The

Power

drive mode is always

available regardless of the hybrid battery's
charge status.

Power

mode is also available in a

Polestar

Engineered

version.

Individual

•

Customizes drive mode to personal prefer-
ences.

Select one of the drive modes as a basis and
adjust the settings to achieve your preferred
driving characteristics. These settings will be
stored in your driver profile.

Individual drive mode is only available if it has
been activated in the center display.

Settings view

for Individual drive mode.

1. Tap

Settings

in the Top view.

2. Tap

My Car

Individual Drive Mode

and select

Individual Drive Mode

3. Under

Presets

, select one of the following

drive modes as a basis:

Pure

Hybrid

Power

Polestar Engineered

The following settings can be modified:

•

Driver Display

•

Steering Force

•

Powertrain Characteristics

•

Brake Characteristics

•

Suspension Control

•

ECO Climate

Using the electric or combustion
engine

An advanced control system determines the
distance that the vehicle can be driven on the
combustion engine, electric motor, or both at
the same time.

Its primary function is to use the motor/engine
and the current available in the hybrid battery
as efficiently as possible based on the charac-
teristics of the various drive modes and the
power output requested by the driver by
pressing the accelerator pedal.

In certain cases, temporary limitations in the
system or mandatory functions to help main-
tain a low overall emissions level may result in
greater use of the combustion engine.

The illustration is generic - details may vary according to vehicle model.

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451

Related information

•

•

Range (p. 460)

•

Energy distribution using map data

(p. 452)

•

Hybrid gauge (p. 91)

•

General information about electric vehi-
cles (p. 402)

•

Regenerative braking

(p. 438)

Changing drive mode

Select the drive mode that is adapted to the
current driving conditions.

The drive mode is changed using the control
in the tunnel console.

Keep in mind that not all drive modes are
available in all situations.

To change drive mode:

1. Press the

DRIVE MODE

control.

> A pop-up menu will appear in the cen-

ter display.

2. Roll the wheel upward or downward to

the desired drive mode.

3. Press the drive mode control or tap its

button in the center display to confirm the
selection.
> The selected drive mode is shown in

the instrument panel.

Related information

•

Activating and deactivating Low Speed
Control using the function button (p. 457)

•

•

Activating and deactivating Hill Descent
Control using the function button (p. 459)

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452

Energy distribution using map

data

Hybrid

drive mode, the vehicle is powered

by both the electric motor and the gasoline
engine. If a destination has been selected in
the navigation system

, the Predictive Effi-

ciency

function can use map data to distrib-

ute electric power consumption throughout
the trip.

In addition to map data, the function also
takes into account speed limits, traffic condi-
tions and differences in altitude.

The electric motor is primarily used when driv-
ing at low speeds, for example during stop-
and-go city driving. The gasoline engine is pri-
marily used when driving at high speeds and
can, under favorable conditions, generate elec-
tricity to the electric motor.

Requirements for the function

Certain conditions must be met for the func-
tion to be possible:

•

A destination must be set in the navigation
system and the distance to the destination
must be longer than the possible range
using only the electric motor.

•

Hybrid

drive mode must be selected.

•

The

Hold

and

Charge

functions must be

disabled.

Usage tips

If you commute and it is not possible to
charge the vehicle at work, enter your work-
place as a waypoint and your home as the
destination. Discharging of the hybrid battery
will then be distributed over the entire com-
mute to and from work.

Add similar commutes, i.e. the route between
two charges, as

Favorites

in the navigation

system to facilitate access.

Related information

•

•

•

Only certain markets.

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* Option/accessory.

453

Leveling control

and suspension

The vehicle's leveling control system adjusts
the suspension and shock absorbers auto-
matically to help optimize comfort and con-
trol while driving. Leveling can also be con-
trolled manually to facilitate loading or get-
ting in and out of the vehicle.

Pneumatic suspension and shock
absorbers

The system is adapted to the selected drive
mode and vehicle speed. The pneumatic sus-
pension reduces the vehicle's ground clear-
ance at higher speeds to reduce air resistance
and increase stability. The shock absorbers are
normally set to help optimize comfort and are
adjusted continuously according to the road
surface and the vehicle's acceleration, braking
and cornering.

The instrument panel indi-
cates when the suspension
level is being adjusted.

The following apply if a door or the tailgate is
opened:

•

If a door is opened, the level can only be
adjusted upwards.

•

If the tailgate is open, the level can only be
adjusted downwards.

Parking

When parking, make sure that there is ade-
quate space above and below the vehicle
since ground clearance may vary depending
on e.g. ambient temperature, how the vehicle
is loaded, if loading mode is used, which drive
mode is selected after the engine is started,
etc.

The level may also be adjusted a period after
the vehicle is parked. This is to compensate
for any height changes that may occur due to
temperature changes in the air springs when
the vehicle cools.

Transporting

When transporting the vehicle on a ferry, train
or truck, only secure (lash) the vehicle around
the tires, not using any other parts of the chas-

sis. Changes in the pneumatic suspension
may occur during transport, which could
adversely affect the lashing and result in dam-
age.

Symbols and messages

If a problem occurs with the leveling control, a
message will be displayed in the instrument
panel.

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454

Symbol

Message

Meaning

Suspension

Deactivated by user

Active chassis has been switched off manually by the user.

Suspension

Temporarily reduced performance

Active chassis performance has been temporarily reduced due to extensive system use.

Suspension

Service required

A fault has occurred. Visit a workshop

as soon as possible.

Suspension failure

Stop safely

A critical fault has occurred. Stop safely, and have the car transported (raised with all
wheels on the flatbed) to a workshop

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* Option/accessory.

455

Symbol

Message

Meaning

Suspension

Slow down Vehicle too high

A fault has occurred. If the message appears while driving, contact a workshop

Suspension

Auto adjusting vehicle level

Level control to target height is in progress.

An authorized Volvo workshop is recommended.

Related information

•

Leveling control settings

(p. 456)

•