The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid and is Volvo Car Corporation’s most technically advanced model ever – an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one.
Muscle car? Well, perhaps not quite but still a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds is none too shabby.
But the ‘real’ eye-opener is the price – between £45,000 and £50,000 in the UK, minus any government subsidy for electric cars. Sales get under way at the start of 2012 with a limited model year production run of 1,000 cars starting in November 2012. They will be offered with Pure Limited specification, which includes the highest SE Lux trim level.
The production version of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be launched in just one colour – Electric Silver. 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.
Volvo expects 80 per cent of total sales to be in the form of company cars, and for the initial run of 1,000 cars to increase to 4,000-6,000 cars by 2014, assuming customers are motivated to pay the £10,000 – £15,000 premium over a regular diesel V60.
The V60 Plug-in Hybrid offers 3 driving modes:
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 32 miles with no carbon dioxide emissions from the tailpipe. The electric range varies with terrain, climate and driving style.
Hybrid is 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 just 49g/km and it has a total range of up to 621 miles.
In Power mode the technology is optimised to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor have a total power output of 212+69 horsepower and maximum torque of 440+200Nm. The electric motor’s instantaneous torque delivery contributes to the car’s acceleration from 0 to 62mph in 6.2 seconds.
“We expect the order books to fill very quickly. The most discerning customers have many exclusive cars to choose between. But for anyone who truly wants to be in a league of their own behind the wheel of the most ingenious car in the world, there’s only our V60 Plug-in Hybrid,” concludes Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.
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