Volvo will release the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid in 2012. The new, more fuel-efficient model will be based on the normal Volvo V60 wagon, showcasing a diesel and electric motor setup.
The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is a joint project developed by Swedish energy specialist Vattenfall AB and Volvo Cars. It consists of an ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) electric motor powered by a 12kWh lithium-ion battery.
This electric system is matched up to Volvo’s 2.4-litre five-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 158kW of power and 440Nm of torque. Combined with the ERAD electric motor driving the rear wheels, overall power is lifted by 51kW while torque also rises by another 200Nm.
It doesn’t take a maths genius to see the potential performance here, with 209kW and 640Nm of board, Volvo says the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
As a bonus, the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is a very frugal package, offering various driving modes to suit the driver’s needs. In its most fuel-efficient mode, the default setting, average fuel consumption is rated at just 1.9L/100km. It also emits just 49g of CO2 per kilometre.
A more performance-inclined ‘POWER’ mode is available, providing the driver with power from both electric and diesel motors. A full-electric mode also provides a range of around 50km. Not bad figures at all. What do you think?