V60 Plug-in Hybrid: world’s first diesel Plug-in Hybrid debuts in Geneva

Volvo has announced the world debut for next week’s Geneva Motor Show of the first vehicle of the next generation of hybrids. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid will become the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid and the production series version should arrive to the showrooms in 2012.

For now Volvo will be presenting an almost production-ready car which is powered on the front wheels by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbodiesel, which produces 215 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 Nm, and on the rear axle by the ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) in the form of an electric motor producing 70 horsepower, connected to a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission.

"The second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a superbly carbon dioxide-lean car packed with driving pleasure," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

According to Jacoby the driver will be able to choose between three driving modes through the buttons on the instrument panel. In the Pure mode the driver can run for up to 50 km solely on electric energy. If the electricity used to recharge it came from a renewable source, this will represent zero CO2 emissions.

The Hybrid mode is the standard one and thanks to the combination of the diesel and the electric engines the V60 Plug-in Hybrid offers a balance between driving pleasure and low environmental impact. With a total range that can rise up to 1200 km, in this mode the V60 Plug-in Hybrid has a combined consumption of 1.9 l/100km, corresponding to 49 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Finally in the Power mode Volvo has optimized the whole technology pack for the best performance possible. In this case, the combined power of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid engines produce a power output of 215+70 hp and maximum torque of 440+200, with the hybrid vehicle being able to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

"In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has all the traditional properties of a genuine sports wagon. What we've done is to spice it up with spearhead technology that allows the driver to choose: zero emissions, high-efficiency hybrid or full-on performance. Just select the mode that suits best," says Stefan Jacoby.

To recharge the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid you only need a regular power socket (230V/6A, 10A or 16A). The car can be charged at home or in a parking lot, with timing depending on the level of the current. A full 10A charge takes 4.5 hours. The time is cut to 3 hours with 16A, while 7.5 hours will be needed when charging the car in a 6A socket.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid also features additional technologies that further enhance the green profile of the vehicle. For example the lightweight wheels with exceptionally low air drag and Pirelli tyres designed for low rolling resistance. Inside the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid has been modified to give the driver a full range of important information about diesel and electricity consumption, battery charge level, remaining range and so on.

"With our latest development we are once again demonstrating our leadership in the environmental field by being first to market hybrid technology in an entirely new dimension," says Stefan Jacoby.