Volvo announces three range extended EV concepts

Volvo Car Corporation develops Range Extenders for electric cars - adding 1,000 km extra range

Volvo Car Corporation is now taking the next step in the company's electrification strategy by producing test cars with Range Extenders - electric cars that are fitted with a combustion engine to increase their effective range.

The projects, supported by the Swedish Energy Agency and the EU, encompass three potential technology combinations. Tests of the various concepts will get under way in the first quarter of 2012.

"This is an exciting expansion of our increasing focus on electrification. Battery cost and size mean that all-electric cars still have a relatively limited operating range. With the Range Extender, the electric car has its effective range increased by a thousand kilometres - yet with carbon dioxide emissions below or way below 50 g/km," says Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain Engineering at the Volvo Car Corporation.

The company's technological developments in this area currently encompass three different technology combinations, with three-cylinder petrol engines being installed to complement electric drive to the front wheels. All the variants feature brake energy regeneration. The engines can run on both petrol and ethanol (E85).
Two of the solutions are based on the Volvo C30 Electric. In both cases, the standard battery pack has been somewhat reduced in size to make room for the combustion engine and its fuel tank.

Technical concept I: Volvo C30 with series-connected Range Extender

This is based on a C30 Electric with a three-cylinder combustion engine producing 60 horsepower (45 kW) installed under the rear load compartment floor. The car also has a 40 litre fuel tank.
The combustion engine is connected to a 40 kW generator. The power it generates is used primarily to drive the car's 111 horsepower (82 kW) electric motor, but the driver can also choose to let the generator charge the battery, thus increasing the car's operating range on electricity. The Range Extender increases the electric car's range by up to 1,000 km - on top of the 110 km range provided by the car's battery pack.

Technical concept II: Volvo C30 with parallel-connected Range Extender

Here the car gets a more powerful three-cylinder combustion engine at the rear and a 40 litre fuel tank. The difference between this and the first solution is the parallel connection, whereby the turbocharged 190 horsepower engine primarily drives the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. This gives a better fuel efficiency rating when driving with the combustion engine cruising on the highway. Via a 40kW generator the battery can also be charged to give the car increased range on electricity alone.
Here too the electric motor is a 111 hp (82 kW) unit. The two power sources give the car more than 300 hp in total, and acceleration from 0-100 km/h of less than six seconds.
The Range Extender increases the electric car's range by more than 1,000 km - in addition to the range of up to 75 km provided by the car's battery pack.

Technical concept III: Volvo V60 with parallel-connected Range Extender

This is a solution whereby the entire drive package is installed under the bonnet at the front. The 111 hp (80 kW) electric motor is supplemented with a three-cylinder petrol turbo engine producing 190 hp (140 kW), a two-stage automatic transmission and a 40 kW generator. Power from the combustion engine drives the front wheels via the gearbox and recharges the battery pack whenever needed.

Up to 50 km/h, the car is always powered solely by electricity. The combustion engine is activated at higher speeds. What is more, it charges the battery pack when its charge drops below a predetermined level.

The battery pack is located under the rear load floor and it gives the driver a range of 50 km on electricity alone. The car also has a 45 litre tank for petrol or E85.
With this technology, the Range Extender increases the car's total range by more than 1,000 kilometres.

CO2-lean driving pleasure and comfort

The series-hybrid Range Extender in the C30 is part of an EU project in which the Volvo Car Corporation is the only car manufacturer among eight partners. The company's two parallel-hybrid Range Extender solutions are being developed with a grant of SEK 10.8 million (EUR 1.2 million) from the Swedish Energy Agency.

"These three projects allow us to evaluate the Range Extender's various possibilities. As with the C30 Electric and V60 Plug-in Hybrid, the goal is to make the cars exceptionally CO2-lean without compromising on customer requirements such as comfort, driving pleasure and practicality," explains Derek Crabb.

Volvo C30 Electric production begins deliveries start August 2011 [video]

Volvo has begun production of its C30 Electric, and initial deliveries to leasing customers, mainly companies, authorities and governmental bodies is expected to begin from August.

The car, which will be delivered to leasing customers throughout Europe including those in Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway – is built on the regular assembly line in the Ghent factory and then transported to Goteborg for installation of the motor, batteries and other model specific electronics.

The C30 Electric has an operating range of up to 150 kilometres per full charge – charging can be done via a regular household power socket, with a full recharge taking about seven hours. The car has a 130 kph top speed and does the 0-100 kph sprint in 10.9 seconds.

Tests on a fleet of about 50 cars have been conducted since September 2010, mainly internally at the Volvo Car Corporation. In terms of production, about 250 cars will be built by end 2012, possibly more if market interest takes off, the company says.

Volvo Going Racing with Rear-Drive Volvo S60

Now that the production 2011 Volvo S60 has launched, Volvo is turning its attention to the race track. The Belgian arm of the Swedish automaker outlined the first details of its entry into 2010 the Belgian Touring Car Series, which begins April 11.

The BTCS is a six-race endurance series. Most races consist of two 90-minute heats, while a 12-hour race occurs at legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Competition includes BMW, Audi, Jaguar, and Volkswagen.



The racing S60 falls under Silhouette S1 specification, meaning all cars must use a tubular chassis, identical front and rear suspension, aerodynamics, and an engine no larger than 3500 cubic-centimeters.

The team's goal, including drivers Vincent Radermecker and Eric Van De Poele, is to get acquainted with the new car, per manager Thomas Neri. "Our main objective is to get up to speed and to compete well in the various heats. Next season we hope to put our own in-house developed engine in the car," he said in a press release.

Volvo S60 BTCS Silhouette S1 Specs:
Chassis: Tubular frame
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive
Drivetrain: 3500cc V-6, six-speed sequential transmission
Output: 410 hp, 304 lb-ft
Suspension, f;r: Independent, 3-way adjustable shocks; independent, 3-way onboard adjustable shocks
Brake, f;r: 15.0-in rotor, 6-piston caliper; 14-in rotor, 6-piston caliper
Wheels, f;r: 10 x 18-in; 12 x 18-in
Tires, f;r: Michelin 27/65/18; 30/65/18

In related news, Polestar Performance, the team behind Volvo's Swedish Touring Car Team, has announced a road car project based off the C30. Details are slim, but the racing team says the C30 will boast 395 horsepower, all-wheel-drive, and aerodynamic tricks used in racing.
"Polestar has probably spent more time than anyone else in the world to get speed out of the C30, and this time we can realize ideas without being halted by specific race regulations," said Jan Andersson, team technical director.

The project will debut at the Gothenburg auto show between April 22 and 25. Fans can follow project updates at Polestar's Web site.

-By Carlos Lago

Volvo Releases More Details for 2012 Volvo C30 Electric [video]

With the introduction of the 2012 Volvo C30 Electric to take place later this year in Europe, Volvo has announced some of the finer details for the all-electric, zero-emission hatchback. Volvo estimates that within 10 to 15 years, electric cars will account for up to 10 percent of new vehicles in the European Union, but even though its is launching a fleet of 250 test vehicles, it has yet to announce any timeline for mass production, but it did say that it expects an all-electric driving range of 93 miles with a top speed of 80 miles per hour.

Volvo uses a water-cooled electric motor mounted under the hood that produces 111 horsepower and 162 lb-ft which gets its electricity from a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged in as little as six hours depending on the power source. The battery pack is mounted under the passenger compartment where the conventional C30’s fuel tank goes adding a hefty 616 pounds to the EV’s curb weight, and that added weight hampers the car’s performance. Even though EVs are known for their instant torque, the Volvo C30 Electric isn’t likely to be too thrilling off the line with Volvo claiming acceleration from zero to 70 kilometers per hour (roughly 44 mph) in 6.5 seconds.

Cold-weather driving has proven to be one of the ways most EVs are being tripped in terms of their expected range, so Volvo developed the C30 Electric with a climate control system in attempts to combat this problem. Instead of using the batteries to power a heating source in wintry weather, the C30 Electric uses a heater that is powered by bio-ethanol and in this instance the C30 Electric would create some emissions. Before the “Volvo lied” crowd gets too rowdy, there is also a heating element that is battery powered, but, if used, it would reduce the overall driving range. The fuel tank measures just 3.8 gallons and can be refueled from the same hole used for the fuel tank on the non-electric C30.

“The driver can program and control the climate unit to suit the trip. Ethanol is the default mode that is used when the battery capacity is needed for driving as far as possible,” said Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars' Special Vehicles. “However, on shorter distances electricity can be used to power the climate system”
To maximize the driving range, Volvo engineered the C30 Electric down to the fine details such as weight-saving wheels and aerodynamic improvements which are some of the components that give this car a unique exterior styling. The biggest visual change to the C30 Electric are the exclusive, lightweight wheels that help shave 24 pounds from the C30’s curb weight and the new grille that houses the electrical connection, but the underside of the car is also slightly different as well with added panels for improved aerodynamics. All C30 Electric feature the sportier R-Design body kit, and the initial run of cars will feature a Cosmic White color with a light Ornioco Blue accents around the lower edges of the car and on the mirrors.

In true Volvo style, the automaker has designed the EV components to be as safe as possible especially with the batteries, combustible fuel and Volvo’s reputation for safety. The main differences on the C30 Electric are a retuned stability control system for the added vehicle weight and aluminum rear brake discs that further reduce weight and last longer since the brakes are used less with the regeneration system. Volvo even had a crash-tested C30 Electric prototype on display earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Volvo C30 Electric will initially launch in Europe in the second half of this year, but China and the United States will likely get the cars during the 2012 calendar year.

"We have received very positive signals from the market so far. Fleet customers such as authorities and companies will lease most of the initial 250 cars,” said Stegland. “The cars will go to Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, U.S.A. and China. If demand continues to remain high, we will increase our production."

Volvo is among a handful of automakers introducing a mainstream EV going up against the likes of the Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV and even the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera. Like some of its current EV rivals, certain functions of the C30 Electric (such as the HVAC system) can be preprogrammed to come on at a certain time or remotely operated using a computer or smartphone.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model

First seen in the U.S. at the South Florida International Auto Show, the 2011 Volvo C70 receives a bold new look and a number of interior enhancements. With its new front appearance, the 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model reveals traces of the S60 Concept Car that was unveiled in early 2009. The 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model now relates more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 is a convertible model, manufactured since 1997. This model is in its second generation. First generation model was offered with soft top convertibles and second generation models are installed with retractable hardtop. Second generation model was launched in 2006 and this model is based on Volvo P1 platform. New generation Volvo C70 is installed with advanced accessories like LED tail lamp, sleeker headlamps and many other accessories. 2011 Volvo C70 is a luxurious convertible model which offers smooth and comfortable drive experience. This new model is likely to face some tough competition from other convertible models like Infinity G37, Volkswagen Eos, Lexus IS 250 C and BMW 3 series.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model

Volvo C70 2011 will be sold at a price of 39,950 USD – 50 USD cheaper than the price of old, but with the additional standard equipment for 4000 USD, which was once optional. Like 5 speed automatic transmission, SIRIUS satellite radio, a layer of luxurious leather upholstery, LED taillights high-tech, complete airbags only from the front but also on the side of the vehicle.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model’s cabin is very slim and houses little gaps between console and dash. Stereo, navigation and Bluetooth are offered with straight forward access with button interface. This model’s interior can also be decorated with wood trim on center stack and standard aluminum material. Optional stereo system presents good sound quality to its occupants. 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model’s seats are designed to offer comfortable seating position to its occupants. Rear cabin is very expansive and relatively comfortable for an average individual. Cargo compartment of this vehicle is also bit spacious and can easily accommodate small luggage.

The 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model is a four-passenger luxury convertible with a retractable hardtop, and it's available in only one trim level, the T5. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power-retractable hardtop, front and rear foglights and heated outside mirrors. Standard interior features include leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats (with driver memory), automatic dual-zone climate control, full power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary audio/USB jacks and satellite and HD radio.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model

The front-wheel-drive 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine rated at 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic with manual-shift control is mandatory. This powertrain is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model

The C70 comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags for front passengers, roll bars that deploy in the case of a roll-over accident and whiplash-reducing front head restraints. In crash tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the C70 its highest rating of "Good" for frontal-offset and side impact protection.

But the 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model is about more than safety and an innovative roof. In the U.S., the 2011 C70 is offered with a powerful 227 horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder engine that's mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission with driver selectable Geartronic shifting. Power is seamlessly distributed to the front wheels with Volvo's standard Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model

First seen in the U.S. at the South Florida International Auto Show, the 2011 Volvo C70 receives a bold new look and a number of interior enhancements. With its new front appearance, the 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model reveals traces of the S60 Concept Car that was unveiled in early 2009. The 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model now relates more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 is a convertible model, manufactured since 1997. This model is in its second generation. First generation model was offered with soft top convertibles and second generation models are installed with retractable hardtop. Second generation model was launched in 2006 and this model is based on Volvo P1 platform. New generation Volvo C70 is installed with advanced accessories like LED tail lamp, sleeker headlamps and many other accessories. 2011 Volvo C70 is a luxurious convertible model which offers smooth and comfortable drive experience. This new model is likely to face some tough competition from other convertible models like Infinity G37, Volkswagen Eos, Lexus IS 250 C and BMW 3 series.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model

Volvo C70 2011 will be sold at a price of 39,950 USD – 50 USD cheaper than the price of old, but with the additional standard equipment for 4000 USD, which was once optional. Like 5 speed automatic transmission, SIRIUS satellite radio, a layer of luxurious leather upholstery, LED taillights high-tech, complete airbags only from the front but also on the side of the vehicle.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model’s cabin is very slim and houses little gaps between console and dash. Stereo, navigation and Bluetooth are offered with straight forward access with button interface. This model’s interior can also be decorated with wood trim on center stack and standard aluminum material. Optional stereo system presents good sound quality to its occupants. 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model’s seats are designed to offer comfortable seating position to its occupants. Rear cabin is very expansive and relatively comfortable for an average individual. Cargo compartment of this vehicle is also bit spacious and can easily accommodate small luggage.

The 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model is a four-passenger luxury convertible with a retractable hardtop, and it's available in only one trim level, the T5. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power-retractable hardtop, front and rear foglights and heated outside mirrors. Standard interior features include leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats (with driver memory), automatic dual-zone climate control, full power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary audio/USB jacks and satellite and HD radio.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model

The front-wheel-drive 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine rated at 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic with manual-shift control is mandatory. This powertrain is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model

The C70 comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags for front passengers, roll bars that deploy in the case of a roll-over accident and whiplash-reducing front head restraints. In crash tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the C70 its highest rating of "Good" for frontal-offset and side impact protection.

But the 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model is about more than safety and an innovative roof. In the U.S., the 2011 C70 is offered with a powerful 227 horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder engine that's mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission with driver selectable Geartronic shifting. Power is seamlessly distributed to the front wheels with Volvo's standard Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

At the Los Angeles Design Challenge Competition, Volvo took the open-air experience at a whole new level with its ‘lighter than a Formula 1 racing car’ study project – the Volvo Air Motion. Besides its strong yet ultra-light body structure, the Air Motion concept cars vehicle further adds to its superlatives eco-friendliness, as it is not using a single drop of gasoline while driving wild.

Volvo Air Motion is a sports cars that runs on powerful, yet simple compressed air motors that, unlike an internal combustion engine, cools down under load rather than heat up. The air tank is centrally mounted and receives compressed air through wind-powered air replenishment sites that float 1000ft in the air. Its beautiful Scandinavian body is designed like a clam shell and sculptured from ultra light carbon fiber.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

Tipping the scales at under 1,000 pounds (453 kg), the Volvo Air Motion Concept is lighter than a Formula One car and employs a similar open-wheel configuration.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

The 2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept was developed around the idea that minimizing the weight and complexity means maximizing driving enjoyment. Volvo built the cars with fewer components and replaced the heavy internal combustion engine with powerful, yet simple, compressed air motors.
To compress the air needed for the centrally mounted air tank, Air Replenishment Sites are used. Powered by air turbines floating 1,000ft in the air they harness the power of the wind and convert it to electricity to provide the compression. The motors cool down with increased load, instead of heating up, which eliminates the need for cooling systems. The chassis, interior and suspension employ an integrated design which brings a notable contribution to the lowered weight.

Aimed at the driving enthusiast, by a company synonymous with safety and environmental care, the Volvo Air Motion Concept demonstrates the beauty and purity of Scandinavian design and delivers a guilt free, raw driving experience.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

At the Los Angeles Design Challenge Competition, Volvo took the open-air experience at a whole new level with its ‘lighter than a Formula 1 racing car’ study project – the Volvo Air Motion. Besides its strong yet ultra-light body structure, the Air Motion concept cars vehicle further adds to its superlatives eco-friendliness, as it is not using a single drop of gasoline while driving wild.

Volvo Air Motion is a sports cars that runs on powerful, yet simple compressed air motors that, unlike an internal combustion engine, cools down under load rather than heat up. The air tank is centrally mounted and receives compressed air through wind-powered air replenishment sites that float 1000ft in the air. Its beautiful Scandinavian body is designed like a clam shell and sculptured from ultra light carbon fiber.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

Tipping the scales at under 1,000 pounds (453 kg), the Volvo Air Motion Concept is lighter than a Formula One car and employs a similar open-wheel configuration.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

The 2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept was developed around the idea that minimizing the weight and complexity means maximizing driving enjoyment. Volvo built the cars with fewer components and replaced the heavy internal combustion engine with powerful, yet simple, compressed air motors.
To compress the air needed for the centrally mounted air tank, Air Replenishment Sites are used. Powered by air turbines floating 1,000ft in the air they harness the power of the wind and convert it to electricity to provide the compression. The motors cool down with increased load, instead of heating up, which eliminates the need for cooling systems. The chassis, interior and suspension employ an integrated design which brings a notable contribution to the lowered weight.

Aimed at the driving enthusiast, by a company synonymous with safety and environmental care, the Volvo Air Motion Concept demonstrates the beauty and purity of Scandinavian design and delivers a guilt free, raw driving experience.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Wallpaper

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Front View

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Wallpaper

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Side View

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Interior

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Action

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Dashboard

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Rear View

Company Volvo has shown new generation S60

Swedish company Volvo one month prior to motor show opening in Geneva where model S60 of new generation will be presented, has started video advertising of the car which promises to become one of the most hi-tech sedans of the present on the Internet.

Volvo S60 Concept

Volvo S60 new generation will receive the 1,6-l petrol engine power of 180HP and a 203-strong turbo-engine in volume of 2 litres with technology of direct injection which has officially been presented by the Swedish company last week.

New universal Volvo S60

The world premiere of competitor BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-class will take place in March on a motor show in Geneva, model assemblage will begin in the beginning of summer at factory in the city of Gent. In the autumn in Paris Swedes should show Volvo S60 in a body "universal".