S60L PPHEV (Sweden, 2015)

Volvo unveiled the S60L PPHEV concept, a petrol plug-in hybrid vehicle at the Beijing Motor Show. The Swedish brand brought together in a single vehicle, an electric car, a hybrid car and a high performance car, a combination of driving dynamics and excellent fuel economy.

The S60L PPHEV combines the 238hp from the E-Drive turbo engine with gasoline plug-in hybrid technology.

The electric technology of the S60L PPHEV is the same that is already used on the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, the first plug-in hybrid in the world, a vehicle that has been a great success in European markets.

In the S60L case the diesel engine was replaced by a turbo Drive-E with 238hp and 350Nm of torque. Other key components of the powertrain include an integrated starter generator ISG, placed between the engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission, and the 68hp electric motor powered by a lithium-ion 11.2 kWh battery installed under the floor of the trunk.

Inside, the driver may opt for a choice among three modes of driving, allowing three completely distinct behaviors: Pure, Hybrid and Power. In Hybrid mode carbon dioxide emissions are about 50 g/km, equivalent to a fuel consumption of just 2.0l/100 km.

With just a push of a button the driver can also choose to drive in pure electric mode (Pure), with a range of 50km. But if you want to take full advantage of the ability of the two engines, the Power mode uses the combined power of 306hp and 550Nm of torque to bring the S60L PPHEV to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.

The S60L PPHEV can be recharged through a conventional electrical outlet (230V) at home or in a car park. The charging time varies depending on the amperage. With 10A a full charge will take 4.5 hours, while charging on a 16A outlet will take less than 4.0 hours.

Pressing the AWD button activates full electric drive and, instead of transferring mechanical energy to a four wheel conventional drive, the central control unit distributes power between the gasoline front wheels and electrically powered rear axle.

The S60L PPHEV Concept Car is painted in a matt white crystal pearl colour, with contrasting black or blue details on the lower body and the seven-spoke wheels. The exclusive interior features hazel-brown leather with contrasting stitching on the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and door panels.