Not content with being a double award winner in our green car awards (see article), Volvo has set its sights on continuing its momentum.

The green car manufacturer of the year will present a battery electric version of the C30 at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It will then build a test fleet consisting of at least 50 electric Volvo C30s that will be used in real-life traffic from 2011 onwards.

The company originally unveiled a driveable C30 prototype in September but the new C30 takes the development process one step further as it includes a complete interior and full instrumentation, as well as enhanced battery packaging. According to Lennart Stegland, the director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles, the prototype helped identify the main technological challenges including battery packaging and safety issues.

On creation of a series of test cars, selected users will be asked to drive the test fleet during a two year period to provide the company with valuable experience on how the vehicles behave and perform. The Swedish Energy Agency will help fund the projection with SEK150million.

The electric version of the C30 is powered by a 24kWh lithium-ion battery pack and is capable of reaching a top speed of 81mph. It can accelerate from 0-60mph in less than 11 seconds and has a 150km range.