Why does the Volvo S90 have two batteries?
4 Answers
Volvo S90 has two batteries to better power the vehicle. One battery is located in the engine compartment, and the other is on the right side of the trunk. The lifespan of a car battery is related to various factors such as the vehicle's condition, road conditions, driving habits, and maintenance. Drivers who lack knowledge about vehicle usage and neglect maintenance may experience battery failure within six months. Generally, newer cars are more battery-efficient because the starter motor works better and saves battery power, while the alternator functions well, allowing the battery to charge fully. Introduction to Car Batteries: A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Typically, the term "battery" refers to a lead-acid battery, which is mainly composed of lead and its oxides, with a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. How a Car Battery Works: It uses a lead plate filled with sponge-like lead as the negative electrode and a lead plate filled with lead dioxide as the positive electrode. During charging, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, and during discharging, chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy.
I've studied the dual-battery design of the Volvo S90, primarily because it's equipped with a mild hybrid system to enhance overall efficiency and environmental performance. One is a 12V starter battery responsible for igniting the engine and powering basic electrical functions; the other is a larger 48V battery that handles energy recovery and auxiliary driving functions. For example, when braking, energy is recovered and stored to smooth out starts or acceleration, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The car starts particularly smoothly without any jerking, especially in traffic jams where it saves both fuel and effort. This design makes the S90 more reliable—if the 12V battery weakens, the 48V can still support part of the system to avoid a complete shutdown. In the long run, it aligns with modern energy-saving trends, but regular maintenance should check both batteries' charging states to prevent imbalance.
The dual-battery setup in the Volvo S90 gives me peace of mind. Safety comes first, with the two batteries having clearly defined roles: the 12V battery handles engine starting and critical circuits, while the 48V battery supports backup functions like electronic steering or lighting. If the main battery fails, the auxiliary battery can provide temporary power, preventing the risk of the vehicle stalling mid-journey. This system proves particularly effective in extreme weather—during harsh winters when the main battery might start slowly, the 48V battery can preheat systems or maintain normal operation of electronic devices. In daily driving, the air conditioning runs smoothly, saving power and ensuring reliability. I believe this redundant design extends battery life, reduces failure rates, and reflects Volvo's consistent focus on reliability—making it ideal for family-oriented drivers.
The Volvo S90 enhances the driving experience with a dual-battery system. The 48V battery assists in energy recovery, making the car start more agilely and accelerate faster, while also reducing fuel consumption. Driving is smooth without annoying jerks, making urban commutes extremely hassle-free.
