2011 Volvo C30 BEV Review

Volvo has unveiled a prototype electric car ready in September 2009. Volvo C30 BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) is now presented at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit a little later in development. It is equipped with a full interior and full instrumentation, and battery conditioning improved.

"The first prototype helped us to identify the major technological challenges, such as the battery and security. We have faced these challenges without compromising the Volvo C30 is a cool and fun-to-drive personality. I am very pleased with the result. Electric Volvo C30 BEV in Detroit is a much more complete product, "says Lennart Stegland manager of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.

The next step in 2010 is a series of factory built test cars. The selected users will run the test fleet for a trial period of two years to provide Volvo with valuable experience. Not only technical but also the behavior.

The Swedish Energy Agency supports the project by contributing SEK 150 million to finance it.

Valuable data field

Pure electric cars have different characteristics than the internal combustion engine of the car. Now, Volvo will have the opportunity to examine how people deal with these differences.

"Our fleet test data are useful for the development of electric cars at Volvo. It 'also important contribution to the team infrastructure and help determine what services are needed for the rechargeable car more attractive option for the future," says Lennart Stegland.

New tools and graphics

The electric Volvo C30 C30 looks like a regular, which offers the same security, comfort and space than standard car. The most obvious difference inside the car is new tools in the front of the driver. Instruments and the graphics are a bit different than in a classic Volvo. The instrument panel and pleasant fresh shows the speed of the beginning of the road and only the consumption of energy. However, it also incorporates a number of new symbols, as an indicator of battery charge and other relevant information for this type of vehicle.

The driving experience is also different from that of a conventional car. The Volvo C30 BEV no electric transmission and engine power delivery is seamless, with a total power available immediately. "Along with virtually no noise is a very special experience. The power is there instantly. We have to spend much time checking a transport network that is comfortable and safe for the driver to drive while using the Battery capacity optimally at different speeds, "explains Lennart Stegland.

Like a normal Volvo C30 - all fun, but without emissions

The electric motor uses about one fourth as much energy as the engine of fossil fuels. This great interest in terms of energy efficiency of electric cars will increase fuel prices and the needs of low CO2 are more stringent.

The Volvo C30 is shown in Detroit is powered by lithium ion batteries can be recharged through outlet stations or power or special regular road load. Charging the battery takes about eight hours. If the car is recharged with renewable energy, CO2 emissions could be almost anywhere in the well at the prospect of the wheel.

Top speed is a fully charged battery is about 130 km / h (81 mph). Acceleration from 0-60 mph in less than 11 seconds. Car has a range of up to 150 km (94 miles). This covers the daily need to commute more than 90 percent of all drivers in Europe.

As safe as any other Volvo

The electric motor is mounted under the hood, while batteries (24 kWh) is installed in the tunnel Kardan and space normally occupied by the reservoir outside the cockpit and away from deformation zones.

"On the other hand, are well encapsulated and around the structure has been strengthened. Electric cars are another interesting challenge in our commitment to building the safest cars in the world. An electric motor Volvo should be as safe as any other news Volvo. And the same rules apply equally to the ownership, development and protection in the event of an accident, "said Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety at Volvo Cars.

Prospects for the electricity market

When it comes to electric cars only, there are several factors that determine their use in the future. "Consumers must feel that the car is attractive both to drive and own. That's why electric cars should be as comfortable and safe and offers the same kind of results that cars with other energy sources, "says Paul Gustavsson, director of Electrification Strategy at Volvo Cars," we believe in this technology and our field test to show that electric cars have a significant market potential. However, offers an attractive car is not enough. It is also necessary in the first place is a subsidy system to do. electric car battery technology is costly economically viable for car buyers, we hope that the authorities and the rest of society will follow in our Volvo Cars' Drive Towards Zero "-. Volvo Cars journey towards zero emissions"

Specifications

* Car Model: Volvo C30 - a full four-seater

* Main engine: Electric 40/82KW

* Power Output: 82 kW electric motor, 111 HP

* Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 10.5 seconds

* Reload: reloads through a standard electrical outlet of 230 V, 16 amps: <8 hours

* Power Range: 150 km (NEDC)

* Battery energy content: 24 kW rated power, which used 22.7 kWh of energy a car

* Battery Weight: 280 kg

* Emissions of carbon dioxide (exhaust): None