Smothers European Volvo

There are beginning to be a lot more hybrid cars available and now even plug in hybrids. With so many auto manufacturers producing these gas sipping machines it comes down to features and usability that sets each apart. One of the features with plug in hybrids in the fact that well, you can plug it in. Storing the charging cord doesn't seem like a great feature but until you have to use it every…

Within a year, the Volvo C30 will be going all electric. Drivers will be able to test drive the latest in alternative energy vehicle production.

But C30 is only the tip of Volvo's electric iceberg. Volvo has joined with Siemens AG (Europe's largest engineering company) to develop an entire line of electric vehicles.

"Cooperation with Volvo is an important milestone in the development of top-quality components and systems for electric cars subsequently intended for series production," said Siegfried Russwurm, head of Siemens Industry Sector.¹

Together with Volvo, the company will develop electric motors along with charging systems on as many as 200 Volvo electric cars under real-life conditions, following track test studies.

"We are moving ahead quickly in this area," Volvo Chief Executive Officer Stefan Jacoby said in the carmaker's statement. "Our aim is to be first with the latest technology within electrification. The partnership reinforces our aim to pursue the fast-growing market for electric cars."²

The best way to find out more on new Volvo technology in their cars is by contacting Smothers European Volvo in Santa Rosa, CA.

Source: ^1,2http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-31/siemens-volvo-cars-partner-on-developing-electric-autos.html

The all new Volvo C30, available for a test drive at Smothers European Volvo - 2881 Corby Avenue in Santa Rosa, CA, is going electric. After months of speculation, and two years of concept, the Volvo electric car has begun production.

Last year 50 C30 electric cars were a part of a European pilot program and they tested the all-electric engine in day-to-day driving. By the end of 2012 Volvo says that 250 C30 EV's will be produced. Throughout Europe sales will begin in the form of leasing programs, very similar to how Mitsubishi introduced the "I" electric car in Australia.

A 24kWh lithium-ion battery mounted in the former fuel tank area, stores the power for this car, giving it a driving range of up to around 60 miles per charge. Recharging the battery takes seven hours using a household outlet. Heating and cooling in the cabin is managed by a "bioethanol-powered" heater. Thus, the car's battery is used to power the car in motion only, although the driver can choose to use battery power for other devices.¹

Performance for this EV should be great: Volvo claims its electric C30 can hit 0 - 62 mph in under 11 seconds. Not bad for a little EV.

Source: ¹http://www.themotorreport.com.au/51951/volvo-c30-electric-enters-production