The World's Safest "Electric Car"

Jan Ivarsson, Senior Manager of Volvo's Safety Strategy & Requirements department, stated, "One of Volvo's exciting challenges is to create the safest car among the electric vehicles on the market," regarding the V60's development, which is being pursued in cooperation with Swedish power company Vattenfall, aiming for a 2012 launch.

The drive battery has passed collision tests from all angles, including front, side, and rear. As with Volvo's other products, it is evident that world-class safety standards are applied. Furthermore, an advanced monitoring system is installed, controlling the battery's precise voltage level and optimal operating temperature, with automatic shutdown in case of abnormalities.

In the event of a collision, the battery is encapsulated, and simultaneously, collision sensors activate. Information is sent to the vehicle's main computer, and the battery pack is designed to separate from the car's crumple zones and compartments to mitigate the impact. Should the battery be damaged and hydrogen gas, which could cause an explosion, leak, it will be discharged through ducts located at the bottom of the body. Additionally, after an accident, emergency rescue services will be alerted, and a system is integrated to provide detailed instructions for handling the vehicle.

CO2 Emissions of 49g/km, Fuel Economy of 52.6km/ℓ!

The brake system, which assists the driver, also employs DSTC (Dynamic Stability Traction Control) with programs modified for the plug-in hybrid to account for the increased weight from the battery. Of course, environmental considerations are not overlooked, with a service cut-out equipped to safely and quickly disconnect the drive battery from the power source when it reaches the end of its life.

The noteworthy hybrid unit utilizes a 2.4-liter 5-cylinder turbo "D5" diesel engine, producing a maximum output of 158kW (215ps) and a maximum torque of 440Nm (44.9kgm).

A motor, driven by a 12kWh lithium-ion battery, generates a maximum output of 51kW (70ps) and a maximum torque of 200Nm (20.4kgm). With a 0-100km/h acceleration of 6.9 seconds, it offers more than sufficient performance.

Interestingly, the engine and motor have distinct roles: the engine drives the front wheels, while the motor powers the rear wheels. The rear-wheel system is called ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive). A 6-speed automatic transmission is paired with this setup.

In terms of environmental performance, it records astonishing figures of 52.6km/ℓ (1.9ℓ/100km) fuel economy and 49g/km CO2 emissions. Driving modes include Pure mode, which prioritizes electric-only operation; Hybrid mode, offering a typical hybrid driving pattern; and Power mode, where the electric motor assists the engine's power. In Hybrid mode, the maximum cruising range is 1,200km, with an electric-only range of approximately 50km. Charging times are announced as 7.5 hours at 230V/6A and 3 hours at 230V/16A.