Volvo to Boost Battery Capacity, Add Gemini AI in 2028 XC60 and XC90 Refresh

Volvo plans to increase battery capacity in the plug-in hybrid versions of its XC60 and XC90 SUVs as part of a refresh expected for the 2028 model year, according to a report from Ars Technica.

The publication reported that the updated vehicles will also feature new infotainment systems equipped with Google's Gemini artificial intelligence assistant, marking a shift toward AI-enabled features in the automaker's cabin technology.

The XC60 and XC90 are among Volvo's longest-running and best-selling SUV models, both of which have been offered with plug-in hybrid powertrains in recent years as the company works to electrify its lineup. A mid-cycle refresh with a larger battery would extend the electric-only driving range available to buyers of the plug-in variants, though Ars Technica's report did not specify exact battery figures or range estimates.

Volvo has increasingly integrated Google's software ecosystem into its vehicles, building on the Android Automotive operating system already used across several of its models. The addition of Gemini would extend that partnership by bringing generative AI capabilities directly into the car's infotainment interface.

Further details on pricing, specific battery capacity figures, and the full scope of the design and technology changes for the 2028 refresh were not disclosed in the available reporting. Volvo has not issued a separate public statement confirming the specifics outlined in the report.