Aerovironment Level 2 capable portable charger standard with Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV
19 May 2015
The AeroVironment portable TurboCord Dual (120V/240V) charger will come standard with the 2016 Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in electric hybrid (earlier post), which will go on sale in the US later this year.
This marks the first time a plug-in hybrid manufacturer is including a Level 2 capable, 240V charger as part of its “standard equipment package”.
For Volvo XC90 owners who already have a 240-volt outlet in their homes, fast charging their new vehicle is as simple as taking TurboCord out of the trunk and plugging it in (a different outlet receptacle may be required). Owners who do not have a 240-volt outlet can have one installed by an electrician.
Features of the TurboCord include:
At 240-volt Level 2 charging, the Volvo XC90 can be fully charged in as little as 2.5 hours versus 7 hours with a normal Level 1 cordset that comes with other EVs.
TurboCord Dual allows Volvo XC90 drivers to charge at Level 1 with any standard 120-volt outlet or charge at Level 2 (about 3 times faster) by simply installing a 240-volt outlet.
TurboCord is UL-listed, has advanced safety features and is rugged and waterproof (NEMA 6P), enabling users to safely and reliably charge anywhere, even outdoors.
Great move Volvo. The TurboCord is a great little charger. I hope this sets the new standard for OEMs. I wonder how long it will be until 6 kW is the new standard for PHEVs with a similar compact charge cord from AV or Clipper Creek.
Posted by: electric-car-insider.com | 19 May 2015 at 07:46 AM
There's already a dual-voltage "convenience cord" on the market, from whom I don't recall. It's what should have shipped with every EV/PHEV out there, but didn't.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 22 May 2015 at 05:56 AM
That's the AeroVironment TurboCord. Volvo got the memo.
Posted by: electric-car-insider.com | 25 May 2015 at 02:00 PM