Charge to the future

2011 Volvo V60: The only real difference is the plug.
Picture: supply.
Source: at the Michelin Challenge barendum green Auto Summit in Berlin this year, a Volvo wagon is one of the supercars and concept cars.
This is V60 PHEV, will be the prototype of the first plug in the worldin diesel-Electric Hybrid
After a short run there, Carsguide had a second slightly longer understanding of the car at Volvo\'s Swedish headquarters.
Some elements of the final model will change, but this prototype gives us a clearer picture of most aspects of the car and Volvo\'s vision for plug-inin future.
Per-, head of the technical project, said: \"In order to achieve sustainable mobility, electrified is necessary
Arne reinholdings.
\"Volvo\'s goal is to ensure leadership with a focus on customer needs and lifestyle without compromising performance.
The vision of the V60 PHEV is that it will be a real car that can be used without compromise.
\"The value V60 PHEV will be put into production later next year, initially for Europe, either for private buyers or as part of a rental plan.
\"The price will be higher than the average car, but we are still negotiating to reduce the price as much as possible,\" reinholsson said . \".
As the increase in production brings economies of scale, prices will increase over time.
The current V60 series starts at $54,950, and Volvo Australia believes that when PHEV arrives here in 2013, it will still compete from $75,000 --$80,000.
In the absence of other plugins
It is difficult to make close value comparisons in diesel hybrid vehicles. Among medium-
The size of diesel is stable V60 d4 for $57,990.
Practical space for high-end markets
Competitors include the BMW 320d for $62,600-
Although it looks tired
Mercedes-
Mercedes C200 Cadillac avant-garde priced at $67,150.
Stretching to $69,900, there\'s a strong and frugal Mercedes-Benz C250 CDI avant-garde that proves you can have everything if you\'re ready to pay. TECHNOLOGY A 2. 4-litre five-
Cylinder turbo diesel (160 KW/ymnm) drives front wheels and 52 KW/200Nm motors from 200-
Cell 12 kWh lithium
Ion battery pack, power the rear. There is a six-
Automatic speed transmission and three driving modes.
According to what you feel, this offers \"three cars in one\", says reinholsson \". The electric-
Only pure mode can provide 50 km fuel economy and zero emissions.
In this mode, the system saves electricity bills by turning off air conditioning, etc.
The attitude of the mixed model is not so strict, but its goal is to improve the overall efficiency.
To a large extent, alternating between the motor and the diesel engine, the mileage will reach 1200 km, but Volvo claims that in normal joint driving, fuel economy is still a stingy
9 liters/100 km, carbon dioxide emissions are only 49 grams/km.
The power mode combines diesel and electric drive to provide a total output of 212 KW and 0-
100 km/h time 6.
Volvo said the top speed was 200 km/h for 9 seconds.
For this model, however, it does not have data on fuel economy and emissions.
The car can be charged in 10-1/2 hours
Amp home outlet or three hours with 16amp supply.
The battery pack has an integrated cooling system that runs during charging and optimizes refueling and longevity by monitoring the temperature and charging of each of the 200 batteries through a computer system.
The design looks like any other V60 except the charging socket behind the left front wheelhand side.
The weight of the two battery packs and motors is distributed in the center tunnel area and under the boot floor, which has been increased by about 6 cm in order to accommodate it.
While Volvo\'s goal is to reduce this production, the appliance has increased by about 300 kg on the prototype.
The only other external differences on the prototype are the addition of the aerodynamic \"blades\" to provide better air to flow on wheels, reduce resistance and contribute to fuel economy.
The main changes in the cabin are the new instruments and switch equipment for the plugin systems.
The driving mode and charging level are indicated by a refreshing simple animation in the central cluster behind the steering wheel.
Volvo went out of its way to make sure the car kept its signature five-
Star safety, including calculating what can happen in heavy lithium collisions
Ion battery pack.
The stronger body structure holds the package and separates it from the tank.
Volvo (Volvo) recently crashed on a PHEV to demonstrate its ability to control the battery pack, gas and 400 V voltage.
It is also training European rescuers on how to approach PHEV after the accident.
New technology aside, you can expect airbags, safety systems, anti-collision, pre-
Crash warning and post
Collision protection.
We usually have some doubts about such marketing.
\"Three cars in one.
But in this case, Volvo is doing something.
Under the hybrid, it feels like a normal car, and although the steering and throttle mapping is more powerful, it is still a little dull and heavy.
Changes from electric to diesel and back are barely visible at cruise speed, although the difference between this change and other modes is very obvious.
In addition to the roar of the tires and the urgency of the wind, the car is very quiet, although Volvo is trying to amplify the noise of the motor as a pedestrian safety measure.
While it will not convert PHEV into a rail weapon, its response is quite satisfactory, with a clearer steering and throttle response, and enhanced stability for all four wheels, it all started to work.
However, you know the extra weight of the vehicle in each mode and every corner.
Losing some of them is critical to making the V60 plug
In more comfortable driving, or in more work, or even a pleasure.
The prototype is not perfect, but we can see where it goes and where we go.
If the price is competitive and there is enough supply, we can see that this is a winner.
At a glance: Volvo V60 phewring: 3.
Security fee: $5-$75,000
Star (est) Engine: 2. 40litre 5-
Turbocharged diesel, 160 KW/kWh nm;
Motor, 52 KW/200Nm; 12kWh lithium-
Packing weight of ion Battery: 2100 kg (est) Transmission: 6-
Automatic Speed, FWD/AWDThirst: 1.
9L/100 km, 49 g/km CO2 (hybrid mode) \'solid, sensible and iconic Volvo.
But it\'s a bit overweight right now. \'----------
Others consider:> Volvo V60 D3 Price: $57,990 engine 2. 0-litre, 5-
Cyl turbo diesel, 120 KW/400 NmTRANS 6-
Automatic Speed, front
Wheel Drive Mechanism 5-
The door wagon is thirsty.
0L/100 km, 160g/km co2, like PHEV, but lighter and more thirsty.
5 Stars> BMW 320 dPrice: $62,600 engine 2. 0-litre, 4-
Cyl turbo diesel, 135 KW/380 NmTRANS 6-
Automatic Speed movement, after
Wheel Drive Mechanism 5-
The gate wagon is thirsty.
4L/100 km, 142g/km save carbon dioxide
Class: 3 stars> Mercedes-
Mercedes-Benz C200 av avant-garde Price: $67,150 engine 2. 1-litre, 4-
Cyl turbocharged diesel, 100 KW/30nm TRANS 7-
Automatic speed, after
Wheel Drive Mechanism 5-
The gate wagon is thirsty.
5L/100 km, new appearance of 144 g/km co2 fresh, economic rating of A-class packaging: 3.