2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo Cars first with next-generation hybrids : The V60 Plug-in Hybrid is three cars in one

How about integrating the very best properties from three different car types into one, single attractive sports wagon?

By simply pressing a button you can choose which car you want to drive:

• An electric car with a range of up to 50 kilometres.

• A high-efficiency hybrid with carbon dioxide emissions averaging just 49 g/km.

• A muscular fun-to-drive car with a combined output of 215 + 70 horsepower, 440 + 200 Nm of torque and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h of just 6.9 seconds.

• Allow us to present the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid. Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will reach the showrooms 2012.

'The second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a superbly carbon dioxide-lean car packed with driving pleasure,' says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. He adds:

'The technology is still undergoing development and testing. However, the car already points very clearly to what our customers can expect when the plug-in hybrid enters showrooms next year.'

The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be driven by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbodiesel, which produces 215 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 Nm.

The rear axle features ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) in the form of an electric motor producing 70 horsepower, which receives its power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car features a six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The driver chooses the preferred driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel: Pure, Hybrid and Power. The interaction between diesel and electric power is handled via a control system.

'In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has all the traditional properties of a genuine sports wagon. What we've done is to spice it up with spearhead technology that allows the driver to choose: zero emissions, high-efficiency hybrid or full-on performance. Just select the mode that suits best,' says Stefan Jacoby.

Three different temperaments
The Pure, Hybrid and Power driving modes give the V60 Plug-in Hybrid three different temperaments:

• In Pure the car runs only on its electric motor as much as possible. If the battery has been recharged using electricity from a renewable source, the driving range is up to 50 km with zero emissions of carbon dioxide. Battery range varies with terrain, climate and driving style.

• Hybrid is the default mode whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor interact to provide the optimal balance between driving pleasure and low environmental impact. Emissions of CO2 (EÚ Combined) are 49 g/km, corresponding to diesel fuel consumption of 1.9 l/100 km. The car's total range is up to 1200 km.

• In Power the technology is optimised to give the car the best possible performance. The diesel engine and electric motor have a combined power output 215 + 70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 + 200 Nm. The electric motor's lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car's 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 6.9 seconds.

The majority of all European car drivers cover less than 50 km a day, for instance to and from work. On longer trips, the diesel engine is activated automatically, giving the car the same properties and range as a conventional hybrid.

Several additional possibilities and benefits

In addition to its three driving modes, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid features a number of other possibilities and benefits:

• The driver can choose to save battery capacity in order to be sure of driving on clean electricity later, for instance after entering the city. In order to maintain a sufficient battery charge level, the car is powered by its diesel engine.

• Pushing the AWD button in the centre stack activates electric four-wheel drive.
• Instead of the mechanical power transmission of the conventional AWD system, the central control unit manages torque distribution to the diesel-driven front wheels and the electrically powered rear axle.

Via the car setup menu, the driver can key in the planned route's distance (short, medium or long). The control system calculates the balance between diesel and electric power to obtain the lowest possible CO2 emissions for the given distance.

Recharging at home

To get a comfortable start of the journey, the car driver has the possibility to preheat or cool the passenger compartment during the recharging process. This also means that more battery capacity can be used for powering the car.

The pre conditioning is programmed via a timer integrated into the car's setup menu or remotely via a mobile phone.

Special white paintwork


The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid features a special white paint supplied by Dupont - and the interior also has several unique details and colours compared with a standard V60, such as leather upholstery from Elmo.

On the outside the car has several additional features that emphasise its CO2-lean profile, such as lightweight wheels with exceptionally low air drag and Pirelli tyres designed for low rolling resistance.

The instrument panel in the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid has been modified to give the driver a full range of important information about diesel and electricity consumption, battery charge level, remaining range and so on.

It will also be possible to communicate with the car via a mobile application. This gives the owner access to a number of smart features, such as a reminder to plug in the charging cable if this hasn't been done at a certain, pre-set time.

New, groundbreaking green-tech

'Volvo Cars has introduced groundbreaking green-tech before. For instance, we invented the catalytic converter with Lambda probe, a system that is now fitted to all cars. With our latest development we are once again demonstrating our leadership in the environmental field by being first to market hybrid technology in an entirely new dimension,' says Stefan Jacoby, and adds:

'Having Vattenfall in the electricity generating industry as a partner gives us an added strength. It allows us to be on the inside and shape developments in this area, for instance when it comes to clean electricity and infrastructure. We will also offer our customers a climate-neutral electricity supply contract when our plug-in hybrid enters series production.'

Source - Volvo

The world's first diesel plug-in hybrid - the result of a close cooperation between Volvo Car Corporation and Vattenfall

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be presented at the 2011 Geneva motor show. It is a virtually production-ready car with carbon dioxide emissions below 50 g/km.

The car can be driven on diesel power alone, as a diesel-electric hybrid, or as an electric-only car - technology that no other manufacturer can currently offer.

The plug-in hybrid, which will be launched on the market in 2012, is the result of close cooperation between Volvo Cars and energy supplier Vattenfall.

'Backed by the innovative power and spearhead technological competence of two industries, we have succeeded in creating a car that is truly unique in the automotive world. I'm very proud of the fact that Vattenfall and Volvo Cars are the driving forces behind the development of transport solutions that tackle climate issues and society's oil dependency. With renewable electricity from Vattenfall, the plug-in hybrid can be driven with minimised climate impact and local emissions. The result of the project emphasises that the future of the car lies in electrification,' says Vattenfall's President and CEO Øystein Løseth.

Volvo Cars' President Stefan Jacoby agrees:
'No single industry or organisation can tackle the climate challenge on its own. It is Volvo's mission to develop carbon dioxide-lean cars, but a sustainable future must be built up jointly by everyone concerned. This project shows how cooperation between experts in different areas takes us one step closer from individually carbon dioxide-lean products to a well-thought-out climate-smart lifestyle.'

Half the CO2 emissions, all the driving pleasure


Both companies are jointly funding the development process. The project is now on the threshold of market introduction of the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid. It's a highly attractive car platform that gives the user access to the very best properties of both an electric car and a diesel-powered car: very low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, along with a long operating range and high performance.

'In order to persuade true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to give them the opportunity to drive carbon dioxide-lean but without diluting the adrenaline kick that comes with genuine driving pleasure. This second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a car with superior green credentials and a thrilling drive,' says Stefan Jacoby.

In the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid the buyer gets the very best properties of three distinct car types. At the touch of a button the driver can decide how he or she wants to drive.

The 'Pure' button makes the car run entirely on electricity, giving it a range of up to 50 kilometres. Press 'Hybrid' and you are driving a high-efficiency hybrid with average carbon dioxide emissions of just 49 g/km. Choose 'Power' and you'll have at your command a veritable powerplant providing a combined total of 215 + 70 horsepower and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds.

Electric power offers a range of benefits


The new technology also underscores the fact that electric power is the future for the transport sector. An electric motor is about four times more energy-efficient than a combustion engine, and it offers several additional benefits such as far lower fuel costs, no local CO2 emissions and much quieter operation.

The increase in electricity consumption caused by electric cars is more than covered by the ambitious expansion plans on the table for renewable energy sources throughout Europe. One normal-size windpower station, for instance, produces sufficient renewable energy to power 3000 electric cars. On its domestic markets, Vattenfall will offer buyers of the plug-in hybrid one hundred percent renewable electricity.

'The huge environmental and consumer benefits of the electric car mark it as a highly significant step forward in the battle against climate change,' says Øystein Løseth.

Source - Volvo

V60 Plug-in Hybrid - the technically most advanced Volvo model ever

There are many hybrids on the market, but none of them can match the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

The world's first diesel plug-in hybrid is Volvo Car Corporation's most technically advanced model ever - an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one. At the mere touch of a button you can choose which of your three cars you want to drive at any given moment in time.

The production version of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be launched in just one colour - Electric Silver. Sales get under way at the start of 2012, and the first cars will be built in the autumn of that year.

'Our plug-in hybrid has received considerable attention since it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011. Now we're taking the next step by presenting the production model, which is graced with a distinctive profile featuring a spectacular silver colour, an exclusive interior and generous standard equipment,' says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The first 1,000 units of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid are only available in Electric Silver livery. The car is also distinguished by aero-designed 17-inch wheels, integrated exhaust tailpipes and a number of bodywork features in glossy black, such as the grille and the aerodynamic front spoiler.

The chromed 'Plug-in Hybrid' emblem is found both on the lower part of the tailgate and in a smaller version on the front wings.

Exclusive interior
The interior of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid has black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching and inlays of blue-grey wood. Other distinctive interior details include a leather-covered steering wheel, specially designed mats and a gear lever knob with integrated indicator.

The list of standard equipment includes features such as speed-dependent power steering, electrically adjustable driver's seat, parking sensors front and rear, Bluetooth phone link and Volvo on Call.

Standard is also the High Performance Multimedia DVD audio system with its 4x40 W amplifier, eight loudspeakers and seven-inch screen.

Smartphone app


It is also possible to communicate with the car via a mobile app. This gives the owner access to a number of smart functions such as air conditioning, pre-cooling and after-cooling, and a reminder to connect the charge cable if this has not been done by a predetermined time.

The first Volvo with the D6 badge


On the car's tailgate there is a D6 badge. The reason is that the combined performance of the five-cylinder turbodiesel and electric motor puts the car firmly within the same horsepower range as the petrol powered T6.

The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel producing 215 hp and maximum torque is 440 Nm. The car has a six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The rear axle is powered by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. The electric motor is supplied with power from an 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.

The sophisticated and exceptionally compact battery pack consists of 10 modules each containing 20 cells. An integrated computer monitors the system and compares temperature and charge level in each of the 200 cells. The battery pack also has an integrated water-cooling system driven by the car's climate unit.

Three driving modes - three cars in one


The driver selects the required driving mode via three buttons that give the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. If the battery pack has been recharged with electricity from renewable sources, its range is up to 50 kilometres and its carbon dioxide emissions are zero. The electric range varies with terrain, climate and driving style.

Hybrid is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to ensure optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental footprint. CO2 emission (NEDC, mixed driving cycle for certification) is 49g/km, corresponding to diesel consumption of 1.9l/100km. The car has a total range of up to 1,000km.

In Power mode the technology is optimised to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor have a total power output of 215+70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440+200Nm. The electric motor's lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

Save battery power for later

When Save is activated, the on-board system ensures that there is always sufficient charge for driving later in Pure mode. If necessary, the high-tension generator will charge the battery pack so there is sufficient capacity for driving in Pure mode.

The aim is that the Save mode should ensure there is sufficient battery power for about 20 kilometres of driving on electricity alone.

Charge at home - cooling or heating in advance

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be recharged from a regular power outlet (230V/6A, 10A or 16A) at home or in a parking lot. Recharging time varies with amperage. A full charge with 10A takes 4.5 hours. This is cut to 3.5 hours with 16A, while a 6A charge takes 7.5 hours.

It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment to provide a more comfortable start of your journey. This also means that more battery power is used for actually propelling the car.

The pre-conditioning function can also cool the batteries. The ideal operating temperature for the battery pack is 20-30°C. This means that cooling prior to driving is very important in order to maximise battery charge and thus also range.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has two heating systems. In electric mode the car uses a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) air heater. The car also has a diesel-powered heater.

Better pulling power with four-wheel drive (AWD)

Pressing the AWD button activates the electrical four-wheel drive. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the diesel-driven front wheels and the electrically-driven rear axle. The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide better grip when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance in snow or mud.

However, owing to the electric motor's lower power, torque to the rear wheels is limited and four-wheel drive is active up to 120 km/h.

When four-wheel drive is activated, the diesel engine operates continuously and the generator ensures that the charge level in the battery pack is sufficient to supply the rear axle with the necessary power.

Since electric four-wheel drive is only activated by the driver when necessary, it is more economical than conventional permanent four-wheel drive.

Two-stage braking system

A two-stage braking system is yet another smart feature of the Volvo Plug-in Hybrid. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the system starts braking the rear axle's electric motor. This braking energy is then used to recharge the car's battery pack.

The mechanical brakes are activated only when the situation requires more braking power than the rear axle can provide.

Source - Volvo

Volvo Car Corporation flirts with digital unboxing trend to launch the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid car

In April, Volvo Car Corporation opens the order books for the most technically advanced Volvo ever: the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid - the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid car. This innovative vehicle represents the next bold step in the evolution of electrification, where Volvo Car Corporation is almost a year ahead of competition. The launch of the first 1,000 units is supported by a series of witty 'unboxing webisodes', released online on March 30th.

'Luxury car campaigns often look very much alike, but for this launch we didn't want to produce the glossy car ads that we've already seen over and over again. This car is a technological booster for the brand, and we wanted to treat it with the respect that it deserves - like any other technological innovation,' says Richard Monturo, Vice President, Global Marketing, at Volvo Car Corporation. 'Therefore, we created a series of entertaining webisodes - short films entitled Únboxing, that reveal the revolutionary technical innovations of the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid. By unboxing this technologically advanced car, we address our most tech savvy audiences.'



The V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be recharged from a regular power outlet (230V/6A, 10A or 16A), and it drives up to 50 km on Pure mode (battery) with zero tailpipe emissions. Swich to Hybrid mode and let the diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to ensure the optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental footprint. CO2 emission in Hybrid mode is as little as 49g/km, corresponding to diesel consumption of 1.9l/100 km. The car has a total range of up to 1,000 km. When selecting Power mode the car gets maximum power, with up to 280 horsepower and acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

Source - Volvo

First batch of V60 Plug-in Hybrid sold out - and rapid renewal of the model range in 2013

On top of launching the all-new V40 Cross Country and V40 R-Design, Volvo Car Corporation revealed more exciting news at the company's press conference at the 2012 Paris Motor Show on Thursday: the first batch of the groundbreaking Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is sold out before the car has reached the showrooms - and the order books for next year's cars are already filling up. Volvo also announced that the rapid renewal of the model lineup is continuing next year.
'2013 will be one of the most intense years in the company's history. Including the all-new V40 versions in 2012, we are renewing more or less our whole model range in less than two years,' said Doug Speck, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Corporation.




The first 1,000 units of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid are only available in a 'Pure Limited' edition with Electric Silver livery. The diesel-electric car is also distinguished by aero-designed 17-inch wheels, integrated exhaust tailpipes and a number of bodywork features in glossy black.

After this initial batch of 1,000 cars for model year 2013, production of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will increase to 5,000 cars as of model year 2014.



Three cars in one

The driver of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is putting an end to compromise via three driving mode buttons on the dashboard: Pure, Hybrid and Power.

Fuel consumption is just 1.8 l/100 km (48 g CO2 /km) in Hybrid mode. In addition, the driver can choose to cover up to 50 kilometres on electric power with zero emissions - or release the combined capacity of the diesel engine and electric motor to create a driving machine with 215+70 horsepower, 440+200 Nm of torque and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.

A new, graphic interactive dashboard with personalised layout and information enhances the intuitive and uncomplicated driver experience.

'This human-centric approach is what our Designed Around You philosophy is all about. We have listened carefully to our customers and created a unique, human-centric car that combines pure driving pleasure with outstanding environmental responsibility,' said Doug Speck.

Source - Volvo