Here are the numbers: a 35-mile all-electric range, a recharging time of just 3.5 hours from a 220V outlet (7.5 hours from a more common 110V). Volvo estimates U.S. fuel economy of 105 miles per gallon equivalent and 50 mpg when the battery runs dry. 0-60 is reached in 5.8 seconds on the way to a 130-mph top speed. Oh, and there are eight gears in the auto transmission.
Gasoline is burned in a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is turbocharged and direct-injected and has stop-start technology. This 280-horsepower powerplant moves the front wheels, and a 70-hp electric motor propels the back wheels (this is known as a through-the-road hybrid). The XC60 PHEV has a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery, but just 66 percent of that (8 kWh) is used. The driver can select three modes – Pure, Hybrid and Power – depending on which type of fuel economy and performance is desired. Details of this technology can be found after the jump, and images of the XC60 test bed are available in our galleries.
Volvo Car Corporation unveils the XC60 Plug-In Gasoline Hybrid Concept – the first to plug in to to traditional wall outlet without special adapter.
John Maloney, President of Volvo, US available live from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show to discuss the technology – Monday, January 9, 2012
Volvo is set to make history as it unveils a technology first in the auto space at Detroit’s renowned motor show. The Volvo XC60 Gasoline Plug-in Hybrid Concept technology has been developed specifically for the US and China and the technology will hit US showrooms in a couple of years.
The XC60 is a pure electric car, a highly economical hybrid and a powerful high-performance car all rolled into one. Most importantly, this ground breaking combined technology means it is the first of its kind where the car can be plugged directly into a traditional wall outlet making it a viable option at home or on the move.
At the touch of a button, the driver decides how the available power from the combination of the high-performance gasoline engine and the electric motor is to be utilized. The XC60’s three driving modes 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. The driver chooses the driving mode via three buttons on the center stack.
Three cars in one – the buttons give the car three distinct temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power:
PURE MODE: the car is powered solely by its electric motor with a range of up to 35 miles. HYBRID MODE: The gasoline engine and electric motor cooperate to provide maximum driving pleasure with minimum environmental impact. POWER MODE: the technology is optimized to create maximum possible power. The gasoline engine with 280 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.) is combined with the electric motor with 70 hp and 200 Nm (148 lb.-ft.). The electric motor’s instant torque delivery contributes to the car’s acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds).
The XC60 encompasses Volvo’s core value safety 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. The technology features a state-of-the-art-four-cylinder engine from Volvo’s upcoming Environmental Architecture engine family. The new platform, announced in September 2011 will see all Volvo cars featuring a four-cylinder engine offering the same high performance as today’s six cylinder engines with lower fuel consumption.
The driver can also choose to save battery power for later in order to drive on pure electricity when they travel through an urban green zone or the heart of a city. Charging the battery pack can take a minimum of just 3.5 hours.
Volvo has combined the new technology and the human mind with the Volvo Sensus infotainment system in the XC60. The system keeps the driver constantly updated with best routes to take, low emission zones and charging stations – a few of its assets which aligns itself hand in hand with the intelligent technology.
Key Features to be discussed
· The state-of-the-art combustion technology and innovative electrification
· Key technology features
· Direction and growth of the Brand in the United States, American jobs
· How the XC60 Plug-in differs from other hybrid cars
· Performance and fuel efficiency
· The advantages of Volvo Environmental Architecture
VOLVO XC60 Gasoline Plug-in Hybrid Concept Car FACTS
Four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, turbocharged direct-injected gasoline engine with stop/start driving the front wheels
Max power 280 hp (206 kW) @ 5,700 rpm
Max torque 280 lb.-ft. (380 Nm) @ 1,800 – 4,500 rpm
Electric motor driving the rear wheels
Max power 70 hp (50 kW)
Max torque 148 lb.-ft. (200 Nm)
Integrated Starter/Generator
Additional max power 45 hp (34 kW)
Additional max torque 111 lb.-ft. (150 Nm)
Combined max power output 350 hp (256 kW)
Transmission AWF22 8-speed automatic gearbox
Fuel economy US* 105 mpg (miles per gallon equivalent), during 34 miles (PURE mode), 83 g/mile CO2
Combined fuel economy* 50 mpg, (HYBRID mode), 175 g/mile CO2
Electric range 35 miles* 45 km**
Fuel consumption EU** 2.3 litres/100 km (102 mpg), 53 g/km CO2
Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.8 sec
Acceleration 0–100 km/h 6.1 sec
Battery Lithium-ion battery
Battery capacity/output 12 kWh, of which 8 kWh is used to power the car
Charging time 3.5 h (220V/12A), 7.5 h (110V/12A)
Battery location Under luggage floor
Total range Up to 600 miles (960 km)
Top speed 130 mph (210 km/h)
Tank volume 14 US gal (53 litres)
Luggage capacity To waistline (ISO V211) 14.5 cu ft (410 litres)
To roof (ISO V215) 20.1 cu ft (570 litres)
Towing capacity 3,300 lbs (1,500 kg)
Tyres 265/40 R 21 Pirelli Scorpion Verde
All figures are preliminary.
* US certification driving cycle. Includes emissions from the production of the electric energy.
** European certification driving cycle NEDC.
