When it comes to hybrid vehicles, Volvo is finally stepping up its game. The company, which in the past has been known for its tasteful styling and safety reputation, is now looking to pack its vehicles with fuel-efficient drivetrains to stay ahead of strict fuel economy regulations.
Volvo revealed the official specs for its V60 plug-in diesel hybrid wagon. That vehicle can travel 31 miles on battery power alone, or up to 621 miles when used in “Hybrid” mode. Today, Volvo is following up with the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept.
While the V60 plug-in hybrid makes use of a 215hp, 5-cylinder turbo diesel engine, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept uses a 260hp (280 lb-ft), turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine. The gasoline engine drives the front wheels while a 70hp (148 b-ft) electric motor provides power to the rear wheels. The electric motor is fed by a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack — it can be charged in 3.5 hours with a 220V outlet or in 7.5 hours with a 110V outlet.
In addition, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept features an Integrated Starter motor and Generator (ISG) which can provide an additional 45hp during acceleration. While many of today’s hybrids employ a continuously variable transmission (CVT), Volvo’s concept uses a more traditional 8-speed automatic transmission. Volvo says that the vehicle can travel up to 35 miles on battery power alone, and can scoot to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
“The technology in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is as ingenious as it is unique,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. “You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car’s renowned properties. No other manufacturer has succeeded in delivering fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable, spacious performance car with 350 horsepower on tap.”
The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week. Unlike its V60 plug-in diesel hybrid sibling, this vehicle actually has a shot at being available for U.S. consumers.
So let’s try Green!
