Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept - superior to all existing hybrids

[ALS]

Most efficient Volvo in the US...

Al Sichelstiel - CleanMPG - Jan. 4, 2012

2012 Volvo XC60 PHEV.

Volvo's technology in the advanced Volvo XC60 PHEV Concept gives the car owner possibilities that no other existing hybrid car can offer.

A diesel-electric V60 Plug-in Hybrid is Volvo's first production model with this new technology, and the car will go on sale in Europe later this year. In order to make the solution viable for U.S. and Chinese buyers, it needs to feature a gasoline engine. In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept, the electrification technology is blended with a state-of-the-art 280-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine.

Volvo's North American dealers welcome the introduction of a plug-in hybrid.

Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO at Volvo Car Corporation:

"The gasoline plug-in hybrid is ideal for the American motorist who wants an electric car while at the same time retaining all the power and capacity that comes in his or her present vehicle. The combination brings the ingenious plug-in hybrid solution into the global context we are aiming for with all our car models. The gasoline version has great potential in several markets that are vital for our ambitious growth plans, such as the United States, China and Russia."

Daily commute on electricity

An electric motor producing 70 HP - combined with a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine - gives the driver a a total of 350 HP. Yet this very same car can be driven up to 35 miles (charge depleting range, U.S. certification driving cycle) on electricity alone or as a high-efficiency hybrid with operational fuel economy 50 mpg. The U.S. certification standards include emissions from the production of the electric energy. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, CO2 emissions are 53 g/km (2.3l/100 km) - which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg.

Stefan Jacoby added:

"It gives a large proportion of motorists sufficient range on electricity for their daily commute. More than half of U.S. drivers cover less than 30 miles a day. With its three driving modes, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept also offers the owner a conventional model's interior space, safety, performance and long range. It gives the driver uncompromising flexibility to cover every type of motoring need."

Bridge to the future

In recent time, hybrids and all-electric cars have been establishing a presence in the minds of North American customers.

The goal of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid is to emphasize how a state-of-the-art combustion technology and innovative electrification can be an unbeatably attractive bridge to a future where the all-electric cars become more established in the market.

[WriConsult]

Superior in price, I bet.

[herm]

You cant compare the snob appeal of a Volvo to the righteousness of owning a Prius.. obviously the Volvo wins in personal well being

[ALS]

Originally Posted by herm

You cant compare the snob appeal of a Volvo to the righteousness of owning a Prius.. obviously the Volvo wins in personal well being

And much better seats.

There fixed it for you.

[JusBringIt]

...A 280HP four-cylinder engine?? Did I read that right??

[PaleMelanesian]

That is impressive, but only incrementally better than current offerings. Chevy's at 260 with their 2.0 turbo and Ford has 240 with the 2.0 ecoboost.

[ALS]

It comes with a 2.0 liter turbo with Direct Injection and weighs in around 4,800 lbs.
The electrical components and batteries add in an additional 550 lbs to a 4250 lb vehicle.

[JusBringIt]

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

That is impressive, but only incrementally better than current offerings. Chevy's at 260 with their 2.0 turbo and Ford has 240 with the 2.0 ecoboost.

Ok, I didn't know the drivetrain included a turbo..afterall, it does say diesel-electric...sounds like it will be fun doing maintenance on that thing.

[ALS]

[TheStepChild]

While plugged in charging you can heat/cool the inside of car too. Giving more battery power to propel the car when you depart. Nice.