Volvo, after weeks of teases and hints, has announced that it’s introducing a new 2012 V60 plug-in hybrid this March at the Geneva Motor Show.“This second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a car with low carbon dioxide emissions packed with driving pleasure,” Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volvo, said in a prepared statement.
Volvo began developing in conjunction with Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall and showed in a V70 wagon in 2009. The two companies system, called Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD), uses an electric motor to propel the rear axle — in this case one that produces 70 horsepower. The electric motor is powered by a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which enables the car to drive up to 30 miles on electricity alone. Once the battery is depleted, a 215-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbo-diesel I-5 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission kicks in to drive the front wheels. According to Volvo, the V60 PHEV gets around 124 mpg on the European combined cycle.
The car is set to go on sale by 2012.
Read More: http://blogs.automotive.com/6714898/auto-shows/its-official-2012-volvo-v60-plug-in-hybrid-to-make-debut-at-geneva-motor-show/index.html
