Volvo Three-Phase Charger Cuts Charging Time to 1.5 Hours

VolvoVolvoSweden, 1927 > present49 models
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will offer its new three-phase charging system on the upcoming Volvo C30 ElectricVolvo C30 Electric ConceptSweden, 2009 > present4 photos
. Three-phase charging is the latest generation of battery charging that uses up to 500v of current. Volvo says that it charges its cars six times faster than previous systems. 

"The fast-charging unit helps cure what is known as ‘range anxiety' since the car can be more easily recharged during the day. And even if you don't have enough time for a 1.5-hour charge, plugging in for just 30 minutes will give you enough power for another 80 kilometers of driving," said Lennart Stegland, vice president of electric propulsion at Volvo.

The system will be installed in the C30 Electric and can charge it fully from a 32 amp source in 1.5 hours. From a normal European 230v outlet, it takes 8-10 hours to charge. 

The other three-phase charger coming to the market is called Combo and will be used by FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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, GMGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
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, Volkswagen GroupVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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, BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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and DaimlerDaimlerGermany, 1889 > present12 models
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. The first Combo car that will go on sale will be the Spark EVChevrolet SparkUnited States of America, 2009 > present28 versions
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from GM next year. 

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