Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid

Volvo’s initial run of 1,000 V60 plug-in hybrid cars has sold out in Europe. The company’s Pure Limited Edition version of the popular diesel hybrid went fast too, especially in Holland, the V60’s number-one market. Volvo plans to make about 6,000 models for 2014, many of whose buyers will be in the early adopter category.

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid: Video

The video clip above is from a presentation in Sweden, where the V60 plug-in was introduced to the media. (Note: The narrator speaks in Swedish first, and then in English, so hang in there for a minute to get the English version). Besides the media factoids provided, the presenter does a basic visual walk-around of the car and provides some nice, detailed shots of the interior. The versatility of the V60 is perhaps what has caused it to become something of a sensation in Europe. For now, Volvo says the car will not be heading to the U.S., but if it ever does, it will likely be as a plug-in gasoline hybrid rather than diesel.

Volvo V60

The Volvo V60 offers 31 miles of all-electric driving, 212 horsepower from its turbo-diesel engine, with an additional 69 hp coming from its electric motor. Unlike other hybrid cars, the V60 uses the diesel engine to propel its front wheels and the electric motor for the back. No weakling in the speed category, the car tops out at 143 mph, though only reaches 78 mph in electric-only mode. A finalist for the 2013 World Green Car of the Year Award, the V60 impressed judges and spectators at the recent New York International Auto Show. The price tag for Volvo’s plug-in wonder car is $74,000. The steep cost was apparently not an issue for those first 1,000 buyers, who now enjoy the luxury and diversity of one of the world’s most sought-after vehicles.

For an in-depth look at the V60 plug-in, visit Volvo’s official website for the car:
http://www.volvocars.com/S60

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

World Green Car of the Year (Pictured: The 2012 winner, Mercedes-Benz S250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY)

By the time you read this, you may already know who the winner is. In any case, it never hurts to know who made the finals, and why. The nominees for 2013 World Green Car of the Year are:

The Tesla Model S
Renault Zoe
The Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid

The winner will be announced on Thursday at the New York Auto Show amid a series of other Car of the Year winners in various categories. In order to make the finals, a car must be for sale on at least two continents and be a production model, not a concept vehicle. Though the Zoe is not familiar to U.S. consumers, the other two entrants are. The judging panel is well aware of each car’s pros and cons, and has extensive experience in making comparisons among engine types, performance parameters and reliability.

World Green Car of the Year: Video

For a closer look at one of this year’s award nominees, take a video test drive (above) in the Renault Zoe. Judging everything from looks and handling to performance and acceleration, the narrator puts the Zoe to the test, and just happened to face a very rainy day. The 2013 finalists consist of a pair of battery-electric cars and one plug-in hybrid, so it should be revealing to see how the judges compare these rather different models. One of the highlights of the New York Auto Show each year is the announcement of the World Car of the Year awards.

World Green Car of the Year

Ford, Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz faced off in last year’s green award competition, with the German carmaker’s S 250 CDI coming out on top. Second and third place trophies went to the Focus Electric and Peugeot’s 3008.

For more about the World Car of the Year awards, and to see how the system works, visit the official website for the WCOTY organization:
http://www.wcoty.com/web/

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Detroit Auto Show: Lexus 2014 IS Sedan will debut

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is set to open its doors to the public on Jan. 19. Organizers expect the 2013 installment to further solidify the show’s place as one of the world’s premier automotive soirées. NAIAS chairman Jim Seavitt noted, “This show is a reflection of the positive changes that are occurring in our industry. Automakers from around the world continue to place NAIAS at the top of their global auto show strategies, and have committed to more than 50 vehicle debuts with the majority being worldwide unveilings.”

Detroit Auto Show: Video

The NAIAS features several showstoppers each year, and 2013’s event will be no exception. Last year, for example, the world got its first look at the Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid concept car, a stunning creation that boasts a 600-mile range and overall fuel efficiency of 50 mpg. The driver chooses the car’s mode, whether electric-only, hybrid, or power. The XC60 has an electric range of 35 miles and reaches 60 mph from a standstill in only 5.8 seconds. The video clip above shows the car in diagram form as the graphic reveals a few of the technical features. Toward the end you will see the Volvo building and a short commercial for the car, which includes close up shots of the interior and exterior of the plug-in concept XC60 from Volvo.

Detroit Auto Show

Industry experts routinely place the Detroit Auto Show among the world’s “big six” vehicle extravaganzas, which also include shows in Beijing, Paris, Tokyo, Frankfurt, and Geneva. Seavitt alluded to the positive vibe that is preceding 2013’s show, saying, “Our hotels are filling up, our international media registration is up 15 percent, and the energy is back. It’s show time in Detroit.”

For all the latest information about the North American International Auto Show (like ticket prices, nearby hotels, specials, and last-minute updates), see the event’s official website.
http://www.naias.com

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Volvo V60 Plug-in hybrid

Volvo will increase its production target for the V60 diesel plug-in hybrid to nearly 6,000 units per year. The first 1,000 cars were sold before arriving in showrooms. Management decided to meet the public’s demand by upping the production numbers, effective as of January 2013. According to a company spokesperson, the V60 plug-in is a unique, even historic, car because it integrates the plug-in hybrid concept into an already established production line.

Volvo V60: Video

The world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid is known for another first. As you will see in the trio of short commercials for the car, Volvo has also mastered the art of communicating very serious information in a light-hearted fashion. You will laugh out loud at the narrator’s understated tone as he manages to explain that the new V60 plug-in can travel 620 miles on a single tank of fuel. And from a standing start, the V60 reaches 62 mph in 6.2 seconds. Other tests, besides range and acceleration, are performed and the results will probably surprise you.

Volvo V60 Plug-in

The next wave of V60 hybrids, like the first, will be manufactured in Volvo’s facilities in Gothenburg, Sweden. At that location, the company also produces its XC90, S80, XC70, V70, and V60. The powerful diesel engine is paired with an electric motor that draws power from an 11.2 kWh battery. The car is able to operate in all-electric mode for approximately 31 miles. Some auto industry analysts think the popularity of Volvo’s diesel hybrid plug-in is due to a combination of three factors, namely the company’s good name, the overall desirability of diesel cars, and the growing popularity of plug-in hybrid vehicles worldwide. Depending how quickly the next 6,000 V60 hybrids sell, Volvo might be faced with another production increase at the end of 2013.

For more about Volvo vehicles, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.volvocars.com

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Volvo V60 Racing concept car

A racing concept of the popular Volvo V60 hybrid plug-in is creating a stir at the Sao Paulo Motor Show. The V60 Racing, as the newly unveiled car is called, resembles the company’s 850 Wagon, a bit of competitive nostalgia itself, having been a popular entry on the prize circuit two decades ago. This new concept, though not a hybrid, is fetching plenty of media attention for its cousin, the Volvo V60 diesel, hybrid-electric plug-in. Some industry-watchers are wondering whether Volvo will eventually develop a hybrid version of this racer, given the huge success of Toyota and Audi with their own super-hybrids.

Volvo V60: Video

Get ready for a real treat if you have not yet seen any of the Volvo ‘unboxing’ videos. The following clip is the one for the V60 plug-in diesel hybrid. We watch as a team literally takes the car apart, removes doors, windshield, etc. Finally, the narrator walks us around the drivetrain, explaining the finer points of the battery, the combustion engine, and the overall mechanics of the V60. While we are all in on the secret that they didn’t actually take apart a real car, it is fun to see the vehicle divided up into its major component parts. The world’s first diesel hybrid, as the narrator concludes, is a unique piece of work.

Volvo V60 Racing Concept Car

The racing concept was designed solely for speed and power, not fuel economy. In fact, the V60 Racing features a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine that is both turbo-charged and direct injected. The 6-speed, dual-clutch tranny, 18-inch allow wheels, 250-horsepower rating, and front-wheel drive make this concept car a real rocket. If and when it ever enters live competition, the V60 Racing will certainly be a contender.

For a bit more about the Volvo V60, see the company’s dedicated page for the car:
www.volvocars.com/uk/all-cars/volvo-v60/

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

source: Volvo

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Volvo C30′s non-electric cousin

The Volvo C30 electric has had a strange, if short, history. Never produced in large numbers, the model garners very positive press when reviewed. This week came the announcement that C30 will be manufactured in China beginning in 2013. So far, Volvo has only made fewer than 300 of the C3’s, many of those being tester cars for employees and strategically chosen owners.

Originally shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2010, the C30 electric has been meticulously designed by Volvo engineers, who put a high premium on safety, in keeping with the company’s tradition. While the car will not be setting any speed records with its zero-to-60 time of 11 seconds, range of 90 miles, and top speed of 80 mph, it certainly gets the job done.

As you can see in the video, the car features all the tight styling and engine design that has made Volvo famous. The C30 does require around eight hours to charge its 600-pound lithium battery unit. Some in the automotive media have questioned Volvo’s slow development of the C30 EV, but the company is actually doing things its standard way, namely spending lots of time on testing and more on safety assurance. In fact, Volvo is working on two cars at the same time, since it plans to bring out both the C30 and a plug-in version simultaneously.

Many European and Middle Eastern nations have been fertile markets for Volvo over the past several decades, as the company has built a reputation for both safety and durability. The fact that the automaker is taking its time to enter the electric vehicle market is really no big surprise. Rest assured that when Volvo at last puts an EV into showrooms, the car will be well built, reliable, and stylish.

For more information about all the latest at Volvo, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.volvo.com

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Volvo, the Swedish-based automaker with a history of innovation, just announced that it is greatly expanding its focus on electric vehicle technology, in the form of several electric and hybrid cars arriving in showrooms soon, as well as a deep financial commitment to building hybrid drive-trains for numerous upcoming models.

Two entries on the product side are the C30 all-electric and the V60 plug-in hybrid, both of which should reach consumers in 2013. Whether that is late 2013 or the early part of the year is anyone’s guess. Volvo isn’t saying.

The carmaker, a king of multi-tasking, is also going full speed ahead with gasoline hybrid production, as company executives refer to milestones that will be set by Volvo’s entry into that market. Considering that GM’s Chevy Volt has gotten such a thunderous reception recently, this move has been called conservative by some industry analysts. But if Volvo top brass are sincere with their talk of milestones, perhaps the entity has some tricks up its sleeve. Given Volvo’s history, that is not a wild guess by a long shot.

Volvo’s hybrid commitment centers on three different concepts, each of which is unique in its own way. One is a series hybrid, very similar to the Chevy Volt, and the other two are parallel hybrids. Sweden’s National Energy Agency is subsidizing the cost of all the experimental activity for the enterprise. None of the three hybrid concept systems has a hard release date set, but those close to the company say 2014 is not far off the mark.

Volvo, legally known as AB Volvo, is a stock company based in Gothenburg, Sweden. Descended from a ball bearing firm founded in 1915, the car manufacturer we know today officially opened for business in 1927, when its very first car came off the assembly line. It was called the Jakob. The company’s name, Volvo, is based on the Latin word, which means, “I roll.”

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Volvo XC60 Interior

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept – a unique blend of gasoline and electric power

At the North American International Auto Show inDetroit, Volvo Car Corporation unveiled an innovative gasoline plug-in hybrid.

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is an electric car, a highly economical hybrid and a powerful high-performance car all rolled into one.

At the touch of a button, the driver decides how the available power from the combination of the high-performance gasoline engine and the electric motor is to be utilized.

“The technology in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is as ingenious as it is unique,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.  “You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car’s renowned properties. No other manufacturer has succeeded in delivering fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable, spacious performance car with 350 horsepower on tap.”

“This world-class gasoline plug-in hybrid technology, featuring a state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine from our upcoming Volvo Environmental Architecture engine family, will reach our American showrooms in a couple of years. However, it is too early to say which model will be the first to feature this solution,” Jacoby says.

Pure Hybrid Power – three cars in one

The driver chooses the driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel. The buttons give the car three distinct temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

• In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. The operational range is up to 35 miles with zero tailpipe emissions in urban traffic.
• Hybrid mode is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The gasoline engine and electric motor cooperate to provide maximum driving pleasure with minimum environmental impact. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, CO₂ emissions are 53 g/km (2.3 l/100 km) – which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg. Using the U.S certification standards, which include emissions from the production of the electric energy, the combined fuel economy in continuous driving is 50 mpg. The car has a total operating range of up to 600 miles (960 km).
• In Powermode, the technology is optimized to create maximum possible power. The gasoline engine with 280 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.) is combined with the electric motor with 70 hp and 200 Nm (148 lb.-ft.). The electric motor’s instant torque delivery contributes to the car’s acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
  

  Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid

Four cylinders with the same power as a six-cylinder unit

The front wheels of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept are powered by a four-cylinder   turbocharged gasoline engine from the forthcoming VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine family. This engine produces 280 horsepower and maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.). Power delivery to the wheels comes via a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

“In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept we demonstrate that our forthcoming four-cylinder engines offer the same high performance as today’s sixes. At the same time, their fuel consumption will be lower than in current four-cylinder engines,” says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

The concept car carries a “T8″ badge, which emphasizes the combined 350 horsepower of the high-performance four-cylinder engine and the electric motor. This moves the car into territory previously occupied solely by eight-cylinder engines.

“It’s time to stop counting cylinders,” Mertens says. “Four-cylinder engines are the most effective way to quickly reduce CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption without compromising customer expectations when it comes to driving pleasure and performance.”

Integrated Starter Generator

The engine in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept has no conventional starter motor or alternator. Instead, there is an Integrated Starter motor and Generator (ISG) connected to the crankshaft, which is located between the engine and the transmission. The ISG is capable of delivering an extra 34 kW (45 hp) during acceleration. It also charges the battery during braking.

Charge the battery at home

The rear axle of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is driven by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. It is supplied with power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.

The battery pack is recharged from a regular power outlet, at home or at a parking place. Recharging time varies with the current. If 220V is available a full charge with 12A takes just 3.5 hours. With 110V/12A a full charge takes 7.5 hours.

It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment in order to make the start of the journey more comfortable. This also means that more battery power is available to propel the car.

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid

Constantly online

The Volvo Sensus infotainment system in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept keeps the driver constantly updated on everything that makes the journey simpler, more efficient and more entertaining. A few examples of available information:

• Best route to the destination depending on whether the driver prioritizes low energy consumption, the fastest route or the shortest distance.
• Low Emission Zones where sufficient capacity is needed for running on pure electricity.
• Charging stations with access to renewable electricity.
• Locations along the route with access to quick-charging facilities.

Mobile application

The driver also can connect to the car via a mobile phone application. This offers convenient access to a wide range of data, such as the battery’s charge level, remaining range, and the location and capacity of the nearest recharging station. Via the app, it is possible to verify if the charger cable is hooked up and it is also possible to pre-program the car’s interior climate.

“Creating an intuitive driver’s environment that always gives you access to updated, useful information is an important part of our product development. This includes that you should be as updated when the car is parked as when you’re behind the wheel,” says Stefan Jacoby.

Muscular appearance

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is painted in a special white color and the 21-inch wheels enhance the muscular appearance. The interior features unique detailing and colors, such as sober dark-blue leather upholstery and inlays of blue-grey wood.

The instruments have been tailored to give the driver all the necessary information about petrol and electricity consumption, battery charge level, remaining range and so on.

Electric four-wheel drive  

The electric four-wheel drive in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is activated by pressing the AWD (All Wheel Drive) button. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the gasoline-driven front wheels and the electrically driven rear axle.

The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide better traction when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance in snow or mud.

Saves battery power for later  

The driver can choose to save battery power for later in order to drive on pure electricity later in, for example, an urban green zone or in the heart of a city. When Save is activated, the generator charges and tops up the battery pack if necessary. The aim is to ensure sufficient battery power for about 12 miles (20 km) of driving on electricity.

For more information visit: https://www.media.volvocars.com/global/enhanced/en-gb/Home/Welcome.aspx

Bob Twaalfhoven

Bob Twaalfhoven + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Owner and Visionary Creator, but people just call him “Bob T”.. Here is his full Bio: Bob Twaalfhoven. Bob lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Founder of BobCAD-CAM software. BobCAD-CAM was created by Bob, who was an engineer graduate of MIT in 1978. He created the software as a means to bring the technology of CAD/CAM to the personal computer. But overall – Bob is a lover of cars, engines and anything that is fast…