Properly used, a plug-in hybrid means driving in electric mode, exhausting the maximum range available in this driving mode and spending all the electrical energy. This is the real task of this type of models. Volvos equipped with PHEV technology will show you a curious warning with the instructions to follow if you drive more than usual exclusively in electric mode.
The main task of plug-in hybrids is exhaust the energy stored in your batteries and ride in zero emission mode for as long as possible, a tonic that the manufacturers felt was not the usual reason why they programmed this type of models for start in electric mode mandatory, and thus force drivers to become aware of the need to recharge the battery via plug to achieve the purpose.
Because don’t fool yourself. The battery does not recharge sufficiently if it is only intended to do so with the retention phase of the combustion engine, braking and decelerations and take advantage of the power regeneration function. This only works for self-charging hybrids, whose battery capacity is very low. In plug-in hybrids this is not the case. But if Citroën models already have a battery charge warning, the Swedes at Volvo can call you for a fact that you can’t even imagine.
Volvo plug-in hybrids will warn to spend gasoline
The Swedish firm is aware, or so it understands, that the owners of its plug-in hybrid models drive mostly in electric mode spending the energy of the battery that, at most, amounts to 50 kilometers. Of course, there are those who recharge this component every day, if they perform, a mileage greater than the maximum autonomy it offers, so in this case the vehicle it barely runs on gasoline and the fuel stays in the tank for a long time.
Volvo PHEVs have a system that detects if gasoline remains in the tank for too long, showing a message on the instrument panel warning of “Aged Fuel”. If you’ve ever seen it, don’t panic. The system is warning you that you must consume that gasoline with the combustion engine, since it is with the passage of time loses properties and can cause damage to the engine. Something that is not very common to happen and for what must happen a long time, also depending on the temperatures.
The user manual itself tells you the solutions: start the combustion engine so that it burns or fill the tank with new gasoline to mix and thus consume. The best thing is to combine these two options, start the combustion engine and drive a few kilometers so that the system burns gasoline, while also refueling a few liters and continue the procedure to empty the tank. An interesting and curious warning, with which you will avoid problems of deposits that can dirty the injectors, and an expensive repair to reduce emissions.