Volvo confirms V60 Plug-In Hybrid for production ahead of Geneva debut

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Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid - Click above for high-res image

While hypermilers debate the various advantages and drawbacks of diesels versus hybrids, Volvo is here to ask, "Why not have both?" As promised, the Swedish automaker is rolling into Geneva with what it's calling "the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid".

Packaged into the svelte V60 wagon, the diesel hybrid packs two distinct drivetrains that can operate separately or in conjunction with one another. Up front is a 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel with 215 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque, while a 70-horsepower electric motor with a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack twists the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD).

At the touch of a button, the V60 hybrid can operate in Pure mode as an EV with a 32-mile range on electric power alone. In Hybrid mode, it emits less than 50 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer with a 746-mile range, and in Power mode, the powerplant acts as a boosted torque monster with a combined output at 472 lb-ft of twist for a 6.9-second sprint to 62 miles per hour. That may not seem too quick, but for a diesel wagon schlepping around that much Duracell, it's relatively rapid.

[Source: Volvo]Continue reading Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut [w/video]

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011

[NewsFeed]

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

After releasing initial details and a solitary image, Volvo has followed up with more information and photos of its latest product. The V60 Plug-In Hybrid is billed as the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid, packing a 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel coupled with a 70-hp electric motor on the rear axle.

The hybrid diesel wagon enables the driver to select from one of three modes of propulsion: Pure for electric drive, Hybrid for alternating propulsion and Power for an extra boost from both. The flexible powertrain also gives the driver the option of conserving battery power and operating purely under diesel thrust (for instance when entering the city), as well as a through-the-road all-wheel-drive option by enabling both motors when traction is limited.

As a plug-in hybrid, the Volvo wagon can be charged in 7.5 hours on a 6 amp socket, 4.5 on 10 amps or as little as 3 hours at 16 amps. And while production targets weren't spoken of in yesterday's announcement, Volvo has now confirmed that the V60 Plug-In Hybrid will hit dealers next year. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the images in the gallery below for a closer look as the car's debut at the Geneva Motor Show approaches.


Gallery: Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid



[Source: Volvo]Continue reading Volvo confirms V60 Plug-In Hybrid for production ahead of Geneva debut

Volvo confirms V60 Plug-In Hybrid for production ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011

[pearlgolf]

OK, if Volvo can do it, what is VW waiting for?

[kristjan]

Damn how I love these new volvos and this technology they're developing.