In just three years Volvo will put a new plug-in hybrid model into series production in Sweden, with a CO
2 emissions figure predicted to be less than 50g/km.
The ambitious project has come about thanks to a co-funded partnership with Vattenfall, a Swedish energy company devoted to completely renewable sources of electricity generation. Both firms are involved in the development and financing of the new technology, while Volvo will build the car.
The powertrain will encompass a high-power electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack, along with a latest generation turbodiesel engine. For short distances it will be possible to drive on emission-free electric power, while the batteries can be charged by plugging the new car into any regular electricity supply. The diesel engine allows long distance driving. Vattenfall will attempt to convince buyers to convert their home electricity to a renewable resource from which to recharge the car's batteries.
Although Volvo remains tight-lipped to which model the plug-in hybrid hardware will be fitted, it did admit that it will be more expensive than a conventional car. In its defence, fuel costs should be significantly reduced.
This summer, Volvo will present three demonstrator vehicles based on the current
Volvo V70 to gauge public reaction to the hybrid technology, while the first showroom model will be launched in 2010.
Shane O' Donoghue - 2 Jun 2009