
An electric car that previewed ahead of the 2010 Detroit show- it’s a Volvo with an electric C30 Volvo- with USD 20.7 million support from the Swedish government, which will build 50 units that will hit the streets in 2011 for a two-year trial with selected users.
In September, Volvo presented a driveable EV prototype and this C30 goes a step nearer to production reality with a complete interior as well as enhanced battery packaging.
Volvo C30’s lithium battery can be recharged via regular household power sockets or special roadside charging stations. It will take almost eight hours to get fully recharged (230V), giving a range of up to 150 km, which meets the daily needs of over 90 per cent of European motorists, according to Volvo. Top speed is about 130 km/h while the century sprint takes less than 11 seconds.
The batteries are well encapsulated and the structure around them has been reinforced.
An electrically powered Volvo must be as safe as all other new Volvos. Volvo’s Senior Safety Advisor, Thomas Broberg said the very same standards also apply to ownership, driving and protection in the event of an accident.