Volvo says the completely electric C30 launched at the Detroit Auto Show is a “production correct” version of the prototype first seen at last September’s Frankfurt Auto Show. Lennart Stegland, Director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles, says, “The first prototype helped us identify the main technological challenges, such as battery packaging and safety issues.”
Now Volvo says the next step is to build 50 electric C30 test cars for use in “real-life traffic” starting in 2011. Similar in fashion to the Mini E test fleet, this program features “select” electric C30 users who will drive the cars during a two-year trial period.
The electric Volvo C30’s 111-hp motor resides under the standard car’s hood. This C30 can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in a claimed 10.5 sec. and will top out at 80 mph—providing the battery is fully charged. Speaking of which, Volvo says recharge time is eight hours using a 220-volt outlet, or about 16 hours using 120 volts. Maximum driving range is 94 miles.
The electric C30’s power comes via 617 lb. of lithium-ion batteries, located in both the driveshaft tunnel and the area usually occupied by the fuel tank (the electric C30 remains a 4-seater). Always concerned with safety, Volvo stresses the batteries are situated outside of the passenger compartment, and away from the car’s crumple zones.
Paul Gustavsson, Director of Electrification Strategy at Volvo, says he believes electric cars have considerable market potential. But he also stressed that just building an electric car isn’t enough: “What is also needed initially is a system of subsidies to make the electric car’s expensive battery technology financially viable for the car buyers.”
Besides the electric C30, Volvo expects to bring its first plug-in hybrid to market by 2012
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