Volvo’s plug-in hybrid

VOLVO has unveiled a petrol-electric hybrid car with the ability to top up power by plugging into the mains outlet.

Most hybrids use the electric motor only for short periods to assist the combustion engine, but Volvo claims its plug-in hybrid will have battery-only range of more than 100km.

It also claims the car will produce 66 per cent lower CO2 emissions than the best hybrids available today.
The ReCharge Concept unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show overnight features a 1.6-litre flexifuel engine that can run on up to 85 per cent ethanol.

Based on the Volvo C30 it has an electric motor in each wheel and will accelerate from 0-100km/h in nine seconds and has a top speed of 160km/h.

Volvo claims the electric motor at each wheel gives even weight distribution as well as mechanical efficiency and maximised traction through all-wheel drive.

Volvo Cars senior vice-president of research and development, Magnus Jonsson, said operating costs were estimated to be about 80 per cent lower than a similar petrol-powered car when using battery power alone.

For a 150km drive starting with a full charge, the car will require less than 2.8 litres of fuel, giving the car an effective fuel economy of 1.9l/100km.

The only extra cost will be the electricity used during charging. A full recharge will take three hours, while a one-hour charge will provide enough power to cover 50km.

The Courier Mail (Australia)