Volvo V60 diesel plug-in hybrid

Volvo Cars is readying a world first for Geneva. The Swedish firm will be unveiling what it claims is the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid, with carbon dioxide emissions of 49g/km. 

The car is a modified version of the Volvo V60, and will be shown in near-production form ahead of going on sale in 2012.

The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid are driven by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre diesel engine, which produces 215bhp and is connected to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The rear axle is powered by a 70bhp electric motor, which receives its power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. 

The driver can choose from three different modes, depending on the type of driving being undertaken. Pure mode is fully electric, with a range of up to 32 miles; the default Hybrid mode returns the 49g/km carbon dioxide figure and 746-mile range, and Power uses the combined engine and electric drive to deliver 285bhp and a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds.

The V60’s rear-mounted batteries can be recharged using a household plug, which takes around five hours. When charging from the mains, the car’s cabin can be preheated or cooled, either via an on-board timer or mobile phone app, saving precious fuel. 

Volvo will confirm the price of the V60 hybrid closer to launch. Although it will be more expensive than a conventional V60, which starts at £23,145, Volvo claims that the fuel costs will be one-third of the regular car. 

© 2012 Dennis Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
Licensed by Felden