Pure-Electric Volvo C30 — Coming To The Detroit Auto Show

Hybrid/Electric, New Cars | Dean | December 18, 2009 at 09:51

Volvo will unveil an all-electric model based on a production car at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January. The Volvo plug-in C30 will be built in a test fleet of 50 models, and they will be used in real life scenario’s from 2011 onwards.

The electric C30 prototype will feature full interior styling and new instrumentation.

“The first prototype helped us identify the main technological challenges, such as battery packaging and safety issues.” said Lennart Stegland, Director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.

“We have addressed these challenges without compromising the C30’s cool and fun-to-drive personality. I am very happy with the result. The electric C30 in Detroit is a much more complete product,” Stegland concluded.

The latest C30 electric cars will use an electric motor underneath the bonnet. The lithium ion batteries will be installed in the propshaft under tunnel, and in the space which is usually occupied by the fuel tank.

Recharging can take place via a regular household power socket or through special roadside charging stations. Charging takes about eight hours.

The top speed on the electric C30 will be about 130km/h and the 0-100km/h time should be about 11 seconds. A driving range of 150km is expected.