All have a combined range in excess of 1,000 km
Volvo has announced plans to develop and test three new range-extended electric vehicle concepts.
The first model will be based on the C30 Electric and feature a 60 PS (45 kW / 60 hp) three-cylinder petrol engine, a small generator and a 111 PS (82 kW / 110 hp) electric motor. This setup enables the car to travel 110 km (68 miles) on electricity alone and up to 1,110 km (690 miles) with the assistance of the engine.
Likewise, the second concept will also be based on the C30 Electric but adopts a more powerful turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 190 PS (140 kW / 187 hp). It primarily powers the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic, but a 111 PS (82 kW / 110 hp) electric motor is also used to improve fuel-efficiency in city traffic. Thanks to a combined output of over 300 PS (221 kW / 296 hp), the vehicle can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than six seconds and travel approximately 1,075 km (668 miles) overall.
Lastly, the third concept will be based on the V60 and have a 190 PS (140 kW / 187 hp) turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a 111 PS (82 kW / 110 hp) electric motor, a generator and a two-stage automatic transmission. At speeds less than 50 km/h (31 km/h), the vehicle is powered exclusively by the electric motor. At higher speeds, the petrol engine activates to power the front wheels (it also recharges the battery as needed). This enables the V60 to travel up to 1,050 km (652 miles) overall.
According to Derek Crabb, Volvo's Vice President Powertrain Engineering, "This is an exciting expansion of our increasing focus on electrification. Battery cost and size mean that all-electric cars still have a relatively limited operating range. With the Range Extender, the electric car has its effective range increased by a thousand kilometres - yet with carbon dioxide emissions below or way below 50 g/km."
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