Volvo’s electric C30 survives winter test

By Tom Phillips

28th March 2011

Volvo is making the most of its home country’s harsh climate by subjecting its new electric C30 to some seriously cold temperatures.

To ensure that the electric car performs no matter the weather, the firm’s engineers have headed to Northern Sweden to run through a programme of over 200 tests in tewmperatures as low as -20C to guarantee that the electric powertrain is up to the task.

Volvo’s special vehicles boss Lennart Stegland said, "We must ensure that the C30 Electric performs as intended when driving, parking and charging in a variety of conditions, from normal to very cold or hot. Northern Sweden is the perfect place to do sub-zero temperature testing.” 

Unlike a conventionally powered car, the electric C30 features three climate systems; one keeps the batteries at a constant temperature, one provides water cooling for the electric motor and power electronics and one heats or cools the car’s cabin. 

The latter features a bioethanol-powered heater which is used in cold conditions. The electric C30 has a 14.5-litre bioethanol tank which is used to power the cabin climate control, relieving strain on the car’s batteries and ensuring that the range isn’t compromised.

In warmer weather, the climate control runs on electricity from the batteries, and an immersion heater warms up the coolant in the climate unit.