Volvo has revealed the pricing and production details of its long-awaited V60 Plug-in hybrid model-its very first hybrid model.
The Swedish brand’s rechargeable diesel hybrid will cost between £45,000 and £50,000, minus the Government plug-in car grant, when it goes on sale next early next year.
Only 150 for the UK
The first cars won’t arrive in the UK until around November 2012, when the first production run of 1,000 cars begins. Just 150 cars of this 1000 are expected to come to the UK, so demand is likely to be tight. Production of the sportswagon hybrid will increase to 4,000-6,000 cars by 2014, but around between 5 and 15 per cent of that will be for the UK.
"We expect the order books to fill very quickly. The most discerning customers have many exclusive cars to choose between. But for anyone who truly wants to be in a league of their own behind the wheel of the most ingenious car in the world, there’s only our V60 Plug-in Hybrid," said Stefan Jacoby,President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.
With such small production run, the V60 will be available in just one colour-Electric Silver. It will be offered with Pure Limited specification, which includes the highest SE Lux trim level and will include aero-designed 17-inch wheels, integrated exhaust tailpipes and a number of bodywork features in glossy black, such as the grille and the aerodynamic front spoiler. A chromed ‘Plug-in Hybrid’ emblem is found both on the lower part of the tailgate and in a smaller version on the front wings.
Volvo expects that around 80 per cent of sales will be from businesses for use as company cars. What’s more with a premium price, it is expected that customers will be eager to adopt new technology and want strong environmental performance in a luxury package.
Three cars in one
The car is being marketed as ‘three cars in one’, thanks to its ability to drive in fully electric mode, hybrid mode or four wheel drive mode-known as Pure, Hybrid and Power driving functions. Using a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbo diesel producing 215 hp, the V60 Plug-in also features a 70 horsepower electric motor and a 11.2kWh lithium ion battery pack, installed under the floor.
In Pure driving mode, the car is powered solely by the electric motor and has a range of up to 32 miles. In Hybrid mode, the car works as an ordinary hybrid model using the diesel engine and electric motor in balance to create optimum environmental performance. The hybrid mode is the standard setting whenever the car is started. In Power mode the technology is optimised to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor have a total power output of 215+70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440+200Nm. The electric motor’s lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car’s acceleration from 0 to 62mph in 6.2 seconds.
The car also has a all-wheel drive function (AWD), which distributes power between the diesel-driven front wheels and the electrically-driven rear axle to provide better grip when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance in snow or mud. It is more economical than the Power function or conventional four wheel drive cars.
Recharged and ready to go
The V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be recharged from a regular power outlet (230V/6A, 10A or 16A). Recharging time varies with amperage. A full charge with 10A takes 4.5 hours. This is cut to 3.5 hours with 16A, while a 6A charge takes 7.5 hours.
It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment to provide a more comfortable start of your journey and pre-condition the battery to its optimum driving temperature.
Volvo expects the car will be given a mpg rating of around 134mpg and an emissions rating of around 45g/km CO2. Read our test drive report of the pre-production model here.
