Volvo C30 BEV

Volvo C30 BEV (battery-powered Electric Vehicle) was introduced in prototype form of electric vehicle with zero emissions last September, during the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009.

For the first time that Volvo presents a model of its kind that works only with electricity, without lowering standards of quality, comfort and security settings that identify the brand.

During 2009, the brand has produced a limited number of vehicles for the sole purpose of testing its performance and security, and integration of electric propulsion system in the rest of the vehicle. In 2010, this fleet will expand to a total of 50 units as a test vehicle.

The future BEV Volvo C30 is a compact model, its dimensions and interior space, makes it appropriate to move electricity in urban and intercity travel day with a maximum autonomy of 150 kilometers, a figure more than enough points Lennart Stegland, Director of Special Vehicles at Volvo Cars.

Electricity and fuel
Electricity is a renewable energy source has some advantages over traditional fuels and can be ideal for the car. Of the known benefits, highlights the energy efficiency of electric motor on emissions of particulate pollutants to the increasingly stringent anti-pollution standards and cheaper compared to continuous price increases of petroleum and petroleum products into gasoline or diesel.

Propulsion system and Lithium Ion battery
The propulsion system consists BEV Volvo C30 by an electric motor housed in the engine compartment, together with all its components, weighs 280 kilograms and yields a maximum power of 82 kilowatts, equivalent to a power of 111 horse of an engine fueled by gasoline or diesel.

The lithium ion battery is charged by connecting an outlet to the home network standard of 230 volts in less than eight hours.

One of the main tasks of the engineers at Volvo's Special Vehicles is the optimal location of the battery. It is located in the space left by the fuel tank in a thermal propulsion vehicle outside the zone of deformation of the vehicle scheduled to situations of collision.

Since the Volvo C30 BEV solely powered by electricity, the battery capacity must be greater than assembling hybrid battery connected to the mains, with a capacity of 24 kilowatt hours.

Benefits of the lithium ion battery
BEV Volvo C30 offers a fully charged battery, a top speed of 130 kph and acceleration from zero to 100 mph in 10.5 seconds.

Interior room for four occupants
The Volvo C30 BEV shares the same cockpit design and the four-seat interior configuration that a Volvo C30, with the same measures of protection, comfort and roominess.

But this version differs from normal in the dashboard, with specific indicators of this new version, such as gauges and charts that report on road speed and energy consumption. It also has a charge status indicator on the battery.

The same safety standards as provided
The high safety standards that Volvo Cars implanted in their products are totally independent of the type of fuel that feeds the vehicle. The main protagonist, for Volvo, safety is the human person and expertise in security focus on providing maximum protection in real situations subjecting the vehicle collision extensive testing until the results meet the high standards quality.

The fact that Volvo Cars intends to introduce an electric vehicle market will be just as safe as any other car bearing the emblem of the Swedish brand.

Volvo has identified all security scenarios related to electrification in all its stages, from the post prior to a collision. After careful study and relevant, engineers must create solutions to manage each of these situations identified, ensuring that all future electric cars to comply fully with the stringent security standards in all aspects Volvo.