Electric car batteries

Our car batteries power every electric Volvo. They're designed to go the distance with safety in mind.

Understanding battery technology

Our electric vehicles are powered by advanced lithium-ion battery packs. Built in layers from the inside out, these packs are engineered for safety, durability and efficiency. Inside, lithium ions move between the battery’s positive and negative terminals, transferring energy with precision. It’s a smart, lightweight solution that delivers high-quality performance and the range you need.

Cells

Cells store and release energy. NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) cells have high energy density and are used for long range and high performance variants. LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells have lower energy density and are offered for standard range variants.

Modules

Groups of cells bundled together to form a larger unit.

Packs

The full battery system. Packs contain multiple modules along with smart systems that monitor and manage safety and performance.

Preserving your battery’s lifespan

Like any battery, they’ll naturally lose a small amount of capacity over time. Learn more about what impacts battery life.

Volvo EX30 with roof rack driving on a snowy road against a backdrop of sunlit mountains.

Temperature

Extreme heat or cold can accelerate battery wear over time, affecting overall performance and lifespan.

Woman plugging in a Volvo EX90 SUV

Charging habits

For best battery life, we recommend charging to 90%. Charging to 100% should be reserved for longer trips when you need the most range. This can be controlled via your center display or the Volvo Cars app.

EV charging
Volvo EX40 Black Edition fully electric SUV parked in a dark studio environment

Driving style

Your exact driving style may have an impact on battery life.

Volvo EX90 fully electric SUV parked outside in front of snowy mountains

Best practices to extend electric car battery life

If you want to extend your car battery’s lifespan even further, a few simple habits can go a long way:

Watch the temperature
Pre-condition your car to warm or cool the battery before driving or charging.
Charge mindfully
Keep your daily charge between 20% and 90% and save 100% for longer road trips when you need the most range.
Stay updated
Regular software updates keep your battery management system performing at its best.

Battery warranty, life, and health monitoring

Volvo SUV driving along a narrow coastal road surrounded by water at sunset.

Battery warranty & coverage

Battery warranty & coverage

High-voltage batteries on mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models originally installed during vehicle production come with a New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

In the rare case your battery needs replacement outside the warranty period, you can purchase a high-quality refurbished battery from Volvo Cars as a more affordable alternative to a new one.

Volvo infotainment display showing charging status at 50% with estimated completion time.

Easily accessible information

Easily accessible information

Stay connected to your car battery wherever you are with the Volvo Cars app and in-car display.

With the Volvo Cars app, you can check your estimated range, track charging progress, schedule charging times and get alerts for any interruptions or completion.

On your in-car display, you’re able to monitor real-time energy use and regenerative braking. Everything you need to stay in control, on the go, or behind the wheel.

Additionally, many certified pre-owned fully electric Volvos come with a high-voltage battery State of Health (SOH) certificate, providing you a clear value that reflects your car’s remaining battery capacity.

Volvo smartphone interface displaying a digital battery passport with specifications and life-cycle information.

Battery passport

Battery passport

In select models, you’re able to access your car’s battery passport*. This shows the battery’s state of health and aims to help increase transparency in terms of material traceability, embedded carbon footprint, and recycled content levels in relation to the battery.

*Battery passport is currently available in the Volvo EX90. Check with your Volvo Cars retailer for the most recent information and availability.

Volvo EX40 parked near beach with man surfing in the background

Routine and predictive maintenance for
EV batteries

Volvo electric vehicles are designed to keep things simple. With fewer moving parts than a vehicle with an internal combustion engine (ICE) car, there’s less maintenance to worry about. No spark plugs to replace, no exhaust system repairs, and no oil changes.

We also offer predictive maintenance for your high-voltage battery. This service keeps an eye on the health of your battery cells and lets us act early if we spot any signs of wear. That means less maintenance time for you and more time to enjoy the drive.

Different types of electric cars

Front close up view of a fully electric Volvo car with the headlights on

Fully electric cars

Volvo fully electric cars run entirely on electricity, making charging a natural part of your daily routine. Plug in at home with a wallbox or top up on the go at public charging stations.

Front close up view of a plug-in hybrid Volvo car with a close up on the steel grille and sleek headlights

Plug-in hybrid cars

Volvo plug-in hybrids blend electric efficiency with a gas engine. Charging is flexible, either at home or at public stations – just remember, DC fast chargers are meant only for our fully electric cars.

FAQs on batteries

How safe are Volvo EV batteries?

Our EV batteries are all built with a battery management system. This system helps manage, safeguard, and monitor the battery to help protect it from misuse and damage. This not only helps prolong its life but also contributes to safe battery technology. In the event of a collision, the battery is well protected inside the car within its own safety cage.

What is a battery health certificate for electric cars?

Several certified pre-owned fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars can come with a high-voltage battery State of Health (SOH) certificate, which provides a data-driven estimate of the battery’s remaining capacity. A battery with 100% SOH means it retains its full original capacity, offering the same range as when it left the factory. The SOH value is calculated based on the battery’s past usage patterns and expected degradation trends within the vehicle. While the value offers useful insight, it’s not a prediction or guarantee of future battery performance. The provided values are expected to be accurate within a margin of ±3% for batteries above 90% SOH and within a margin of ±5% for batteries below 90% SOH. Battery health will naturally decline over time, and factors like ambient temperature and charging habits can affect the rate of degradation, though as an owner, you can positively influence your battery’s future condition through mindful usage and care. You can contact your Volvo Cars retailer for more information about the battery SOH certificate.

What is the high-voltage battery warranty?

High-voltage batteries on mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models originally installed during vehicle production come with a New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

To further support customers beyond the base new vehicle warranty period, if a customer purchases a new or refurbished replacement battery, Volvo Cars offers a four (4) year/ 50,000 mile limited replacement warranty on new and Volvo Genuine Refurbished high-voltage batteries and modules . This warranty applies when the covered components are sold by a Volvo Cars authorized retailer outside the original vehicle warranty period in the U.S. and Canada. The replacement warranty is nontransferable.