AutoBlog: Volvo announces diesel plug-in hybrid for 2012 [w/video]

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Tech, Videos, Volvo

Volvo plug-in hybrid - click above for a hi-res gallery

Volvo and Vattenfall have just made an announcement that should hurry the Swedish car maker along the hybrid highway. The two companies have partnered to develop a plug-in diesel hybrid that is expected to begin series production in 2012 with the first three demonstration vehicles to be completed this summer. Volvo, of course, will supply the cars, while the energy giant will bring charging units and the actual carbon-free electricity to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) equation. Other hybrids being baked by the Ford-owned brand include a "micro-hybrid" for 2011 as well as the ReCharge concept.

Technologically, this PHEV is quite interesting. It will use 71% of its 11.3 kWh pack of lithium ion batteries to power the back wheels for about 30 miles (50 km). After that, the diesel engine takes over and will then drive the front wheels. The charging time for the battery is about five hours through a household type outlet and the car, which will use the body of the Volvo V70, will feature regenerative braking. Hit the jump for the official press release as well as a video outlining the program.

Gallery: Volvo and Vattenfall Plug-in hybrid

Continue reading Volvo announces diesel plug-in hybrid for 2012 [w/video]

Volvo announces diesel plug-in hybrid for 2012 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Z-06 493]

Yeah Volvo is smarter than GM that is why it is following the same plug-in bandwagon that Volt created with the same concept of having a LI-ION battery as VOLT is using. Toyota is better and more efficient in the hybrid idea with its superior Ni batteries and it will reduce the foreign oil dependence, death to Volt.

I find this a perfect analogy to TV's. We had CRT made by everybody. Then Panasonic created Plasmas, which were more than 5 time more expensive than the CRT's. Almost simultaneously came the LCD's from Sony/Samsung which Panasonic called cheap, inferior technology and more expensive for same quality by every Tom, Dick and GXT. Fast forward only three years, Plasma is on the brink and Panasonic is jumping on the LCD wagon. Replace CRT by ICE, Plasma by Prius/Hybrid and LCD by Voltech, and you will get the picture.

[pow 106]

Yeah Volvo is smarter than GM that is why it is following the same plug-in bandwagon that Volt created with the same concept of having a LI-ION battery as VOLT is using.

The Volt is an extended-range electric vehicle, whereas this is a plug-in hybrid.

[Cubical-aka-Moltar 2,248]

Cool to see a diesel hybrid.

I do wonder, though, what are the advantages over a conventional diesel? There is the pontentially cleaner/greener aspect, as it runs on electric power at times... as far as mileage, that will be impacted positively by the electric power but negatively by the added weight of the batteries.

Edited June 3, 2009 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Z-06 493]

The Volt is an extended-range electric vehicle, whereas this is a plug-in hybrid.

No because this sounds familiar to Volt, does it not?

Technologically, this PHEV is quite interesting. It will use 71% of its 11.3 kWh pack of lithium ion batteries to power the back wheels for about 30 miles (50 km). After that, the diesel engine takes over and will then drive the front wheels. The charging time for the battery is about five hours through a household type outlet and the car, which will use the body of the Volvo V70, will feature regenerative braking.

Granted the engine in Volt still work in series and Volvo's system is pseudo parallel-series. What is important is that it uses the same concept as Volt for using batteries for the first few miles before being taken over by an alternate propulsion without exhausting battery charge.