Volvo ReCharged on plug-in hybrids

Beyond the ReCharge concept

Volvo has been toying around with plug-in hybrid vehicles for a few years now, primarily beginning back in 2007 when Volvo launched the ReCharge concept.

Now Volvo is partnering with Vattenfall to produced diesel-powered plug-in hybrids by 2012. In fact, by this summer this partnership will put 3 Volvo V70 plug-in hybrids on the road as demonstration vehicles to glean information about future viability, consumer desires and driving patterns, etc.

Volvo bringing diesel hybrids to US in 2012, plug-in soon after

Can diesel work in America?

Just because the king of hybrid cars, Toyota, isn't interested in bringing diesel hybrids to the US, doesn't mean all other automakers agree.

According to Mototrend, Volvo will start bringing diesel hybrids to the US in 2012. With a focus on larger SUVs, crossovers, and sedans, Volvo will utilize a 5-cylinder turbodiesel motor to drive the front wheels and an electric motor to power the rear wheels. This full hybrid configuration will enable Volvo's diesel hybrid vehicles to function purely on electric power at low speeds.

Likewise, Volvo will also bring diesel plug-in hybrid vehicles to the states shortly thereafter.

Volvo and Saab to collaborate on plug-in hybrid program

PHEVs will be a bit larger than this Volvo C30 PHEV concept

Saab and Volvo will partner on a pilot project to test 10 plug-in hybrid vehicles in Sweden according to GreenCarCongress. A number of other Swedish companies are also involved, such as ETC Battery, which will contribute lithium-ion batteries for the project.

Aside from trying to create a market for PHEVs in Sweden, the program will also “demonstrate what a simple, marketable, full solution for plug-in hybrids would look like”.

Volvo to announce hybrid plans at Frankfurt Auto Show

How about a hybrid version of the C-30

At the Frankfurt Auto Show, Volvo will debut a C-30 efficiency model that achieves an amazing 52 mpg combined. The 104-horsepower 1.6 liter turbodiesel, unfortunately, might never see a U.S. road, however.

Time for a change in diesel laws?

In addition to the green C-30, Volvo will also announce its plans for hybrid vehicles at Frankfurt.