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(Thu 02 Oct 08) Volvo's ReCharge Concept - a plug-in hybrid version of the C30 - is having its latest airing this week at the Paris Show.
The ReCharge is unlike any hybrid currently on the market in that it's designed to run as an electric vehicle all the time, but also has a petrol engine which can be started up to charge the battery when required. The engine does this automatically when the battery charge drops below 70%, but the driver can fire it up manually at any time, for example on a motorway journey when he or she wants to save the battery for use in town later on. The powertrain includes one electric motor powering each wheel, so the car is therefore four-wheel drive, and it has enough oomph to accelerate from 0-62mph in 9 seconds and reach a top speed of 100mph, while emitting - in Volvo's estimation - as little as 66% of the CO2 produced by the most efficient hybrids currently on sale. It can also be used as a generator to provide enough electricity for a house in the event of a power cut. Volvo Gallery Previous: Lexus Convertible At Paris Next: Electric Renault Concept |
