Bursting at the seams waiting to share this with you
Today we released the information below, prior to our press
conference next week at this year's Detroit International Auto Show.
We've been holding on to this for some time and now we're ready to tell
everyone. I think the best part about this new technology is that Volvo
is the only one to have this kind of concept. It combines three kinds of
driving modes, showcases our decision to go with four-cylinder engine
family, demonstrates an ability to dramatically reduce carbon output,
reduce our dependence on natural resources (by making smaller engines we
use less materials while still having excellent horse power and
torque), and making something people can use as a daily driver.
So first off, let's get this out of the way:
- No, we have not decided on what vehicle this technology will be used on.
- We are not announcing a date for introduction ? that will be decided later this year.
- No pricing at this time.
- Yes, it is being developed for this market and for China.
- No diesel engine for the U.S.
- No on V60 diesel with this technology.
- I think that's about it. If you have questions, please feel free to send them over. No problem.
After next week, we'll have photos and more details about this
technology. Also, this concept car is next being shown at the
Washington, DC Auto Show in a few weeks, and then off to the Chicago
Auto Show, so be sure to check it out if you can.
| Press Information
|
| Date of issue |
Jan 04, 2012 |
Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept ? a unique blend of gasoline and electric power
At the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volvo
Car Corporation will unveil an innovative gasoline plug-in hybrid.
The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is an electric car, a highly
economical hybrid and a powerful high-performance car all rolled into
one.
At the touch of a button, the driver decides how the available power
from the combination of the high-performance gasoline engine and the
electric motor is to be utilized.
"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."
"This world-class gasoline plug-in hybrid technology, featuring a
state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine from our upcoming Volvo
Environmental Architecture engine family, will reach our American
showrooms in a couple of years. However, it is too early to say which
model will be the first to feature this solution," Jacoby says.
Pure Hybrid Power ? three cars in one
The driver chooses the driving mode via three buttons on the
instrument panel. The buttons give the car three distinct temperaments:
Pure, Hybrid or Power.
- In Pure mode
the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. The
operational range is up to 35 miles (charge depleting range, U.S
certification driving cycle) with zero tailpipe emissions in urban
traffic. The range according to the European certification driving
cycle NEDC is 45 km.
- Hybrid mode is
the standard setting whenever the car is started. The gasoline engine
and electric motor cooperate to provide maximum driving pleasure
with minimum environmental impact. According to the European
certification driving cycle NEDC, CO2 emissions are 53
g/km (2.3 l/100 km) ? which translates into fuel economy of over
100 mpg. Using the U.S certification standards, which include
emissions from the production of the electric energy, the combined
fuel economy in continuous driving is 50 mpg. The car has a total
operating range of up to 600 miles (960 km).
- In Power mode,
the technology is optimized to create maximum possible power. The
gasoline engine with 280 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.) is combined
with the electric motor with 70 hp and 200 Nm (148 lb.-ft.). The
electric motor's instant torque delivery contributes to the car's
acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.1
seconds).
Four cylinders with the same power as a six-cylinder unit
The front wheels of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept are powered by a
four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine from the forthcoming VEA
(Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine family. This engine produces
280 horsepower and maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.). Power
delivery to the wheels comes via a newly developed eight-speed automatic
transmission.
"In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept we demonstrate that our
forthcoming four-cylinder engines offer the same high performance as
today's sixes. At the same time, their fuel consumption will be lower
than in current four-cylinder engines," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice
President Research & Development at Volvo Car Corporation.
The concept car carries a "T8? badge, which emphasizes the combined
350 horsepower of the high-performance four-cylinder engine and the
electric motor. This moves the car into territory previously occupied
solely by eight-cylinder engines.
"It's time to stop counting cylinders," Mertens says. "Four-cylinder engines are the most effective way to quickly reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption without compromising customer expectations when it comes to driving pleasure and performance."
Reduction of parts, weight and fuel consumption
VEA is a modular range of diesel and gasoline engines. The gasoline
versions come with direct injection, minimized internal losses and
balance shafts for maximized comfort.
Several levels of turbocharging open up for flexibility that
encompasses the whole range from high power and torque variants to
extremely fuel-efficient derivatives. In order to cover all customer
requirements, certain engines will gain added performance via hybrid
drive or other spearhead technology.
The modular format is based on a standard of 500cc (30 cubic inches)
per cylinder for optimum thermodynamics. It could also be used to
develop three-cylinder engines. VEA offers several advantages
- The number of unique parts is reduced. This promotes
manufacturing efficiency, quality assurance and efficiency of new
development projects.
- The new powertrains are considerably lighter than present engines with similar performance.
- Fuel economy is improved by up to 35 percent compared to engines with similar performance.
- Modularity and compact transverse design are also ideal for future electrification developments.
Integrated Starter Generator
The engine in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept has no conventional
starter motor or alternator. Instead, there is an Integrated Starter
motor and Generator (ISG) connected to the crankshaft, which is located
between the engine and the transmission. The ISG is capable of
delivering an extra 34 kW (45 hp) during acceleration. It also charges
the battery during braking.
Charge the battery at home
The rear axle of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is driven by an
electric motor producing 70 horsepower. It is supplied with power from a
12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load
compartment.
The battery pack is recharged from a regular power outlet, at home or
at a parking place. Recharging time varies with the current. If 220V is
available a full charge with 12A takes just 3.5 hours. With 110V/12A a
full charge takes 7.5 hours.
It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the
passenger compartment in order to make the start of the journey more
comfortable. This also means that more battery power is available to
propel the car.
Constantly online
The Volvo Sensus infotainment system in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid
Concept keeps the driver constantly updated on everything that makes the
journey simpler, more efficient and more entertaining. A few examples
of available information:
- Best route to the destination depending on whether the driver
prioritizes low energy consumption, the fastest route or the
shortest distance.
- Low Emission Zones where sufficient capacity is needed for running on pure electricity.
- Charging stations with access to renewable electricity.
- Locations along the route with access to quick-charging facilities.
Mobile application
The driver also can connect to the car via a mobile phone
application. This offers convenient access to a wide range of data, such
as the battery's charge level, remaining range, and the location and
capacity of the nearest recharging station. Via the app, it is possible
to verify if the charger cable is hooked up and it is also possible to
pre-program the car's interior climate.
"Creating an intuitive driver's environment that always gives you
access to updated, useful information is an important part of our
product development. This includes that you should be as updated when
the car is parked as when you're behind the wheel," says Stefan Jacoby.
Muscular appearance
The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is painted in a special white
color and the 21-inch wheels enhance the muscular appearance. The
interior features unique detailing and colors, such as sober dark-blue
leather upholstery and inlays of blue-grey wood.
The instruments have been tailored to give the driver all the
necessary information about petrol and electricity consumption, battery
charge level, remaining range and so on.
Electric four-wheel drive
The electric four-wheel drive in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is
activated by pressing the AWD (All Wheel Drive) button. Instead of the
mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central
control unit distributes power between the gasoline-driven front wheels
and the electrically driven rear axle.
The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide
better traction when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for
instance in snow or mud.
Saves battery power for later
The driver can choose to save battery power for later in order to
drive on pure electricity later in, for example, an urban green zone or
in the heart of a city. When Save is activated, the generator charges
and tops up the battery pack if necessary. The aim is to ensure
sufficient battery power for about 12 miles (20 km) of driving on
electricity.
|
| Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
reserve the right to make changes at any time, without notice, to
color, specifications, accessories, materials and models. |
|
Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept ? superior to all existing hybrids
Volvo Car Corporation's technology in the advanced Volvo XC60 Plug-in
Hybrid Concept gives the car owner possibilities that no other existing
hybrid car can offer.
"The gasoline plug-in hybrid is ideal for the American motorist who
wants an electric car while at the same time retaining all the power and
capacity that comes in his or her present vehicle," says Stefan Jacoby,
President and CEO at Volvo Car Corporation.
A diesel-electric V60 Plug-in Hybrid is Volvo Car Corporation's first
production model with this new technology, and the car will go on sale
in Europe later this year.
In order to make the solution viable for U.S. and Chinese buyers, it
needs to feature a gasoline engine. In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept,
the electrification technology is blended with a state-of-the-art
280-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine.
"The combination brings the ingenious plug-in hybrid solution into
the global context we are aiming for with all our car models. The
gasoline version has great potential in several markets that are vital
for our ambitious growth plans, such as the United States, China and
Russia," Stefan Jacoby says.
Volvo Car Corporation's North American dealers welcome the introduction of a plug-in hybrid.
"From a U.S. market perspective, a gasoline plug-in hybrid would be
an excellent addition to our product offer," says Patty Hooley, member
of the Dealer Council of Volvo Cars North America.
Daily commute on electricity
An electric motor producing 70 horsepower ? combined with a
four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine ? gives the driver a muscular
power plant packing a total of 350 horsepower. Yet this very same car
can be driven up to 35 miles (charge depleting range, U.S. certification
driving cycle) on electricity alone or as a high-efficiency hybrid with
operational fuel economy 50 mpg.
The U.S certification standards include emissions from the production
of the electric energy. According to the European certification driving
cycle NEDC, CO2 emissions are 53 g/km (2.3 l/100 km) ? which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg.
"A plug-in hybrid is the ideal eco-car for today's conditions,"
Stefan Jacoby says. "It gives a large proportion of motorists sufficient
range on electricity for their daily commute. More than half of U.S.
drivers cover less than 30 miles a day. With its three driving modes,
the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept also offers the owner a conventional
model's interior space, safety, performance and long range. It gives the
driver uncompromising flexibility to cover every type of motoring
need."
Bridge to the future
In recent time, hybrids and all-electric cars have been establishing a presence in the minds of North American customers.
"Our goal is to be a leading brand within fuel efficiency," Jacoby
says. " In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid we emphasize how a blend of
state-of-the-art combustion technology and innovative electrification
can be an unbeatably attractive bridge to a future where the
all-electric cars become more established in the market."
