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 color - 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 color, 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
The V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the first Volvo to be launched with an
entirely digital Driver Information Monitor (DIM). The conventional
analogue gauges have been replaced by a one-piece LED screen offering a
large number of display options. The driver can choose which information
to show via the car's menu setup.
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 turbo diesel 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 turbo diesel producing 215 hp and maximum torque
is 440 Nm. The car has a six-speed automatic transmission.
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.
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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 kilometers and
its carbon dioxide emissions are zero. The electric range varies with
terrain, climate and driving style.
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Hybridis 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.
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In Power mode the technology is optimized 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
The driver can choose to save battery power in order to drive on pure
electricity later on, for instance in an urban green zone or in the
heart of a city.
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 kilometers 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 maximize 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.
