Volvo’s plug-in hybrid set for stateside reaction
Volvo’s three way approach to fuel consumption seen in the V60 Plug-in Hybrid (expected to ship in UK during the final third of the year) will be seeking the approval of the US market when the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid concept is paraded at the Detroit Motor Show next week.
The XC60 will recreate the V60’s ability to switch driving modes and how the vehicle is powered. Pure mode will power the XC60 for 28 miles entirely on an electric motor while hybrid mode also utilises a petrol engine as a standard setting, knocking CO2 emissions to 53g/km and boosting fuel economy over the 100mpg threshold.
Power mode – the third option – also combines both electric and petrol motors for maximum performance and a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds.
Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation, was pleased the approach was being embraced and hailed the technology as “ingenious as it is unique”.
He commented: “You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car’s renowned properties. No other manufacturer has succeeded in delivering fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable, spacious performance car with 350 horsepower on tap.”
Consumption without compromises
The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid can achieve a full charge in just 3.5 hours from a 220V source.
Mr Jacoby conceded that the technology could appear stateside in a different Volvo model to the XC60.
He added: “This world-class petrol plug-in hybrid technology, featuring a state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine from our upcoming Volvo Environmental Architecture engine family, will reach our American showrooms in a couple of years.
“However, it is too early to say which model will be the first to feature this solution.”
Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Corporation, concluded: “Four-cylinder engines are the most effective way to quickly reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption without compromising customer expectations when it comes to driving pleasure and performance.”
The 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit opens from 9-22 January.
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