Pure Mode: Producing zero emissions, the V60 transforms into a Pure electric car with a range of 50km on a full charge. It might not match the Leaf's 117 km range, but at least the diesel engine can spring back to life in case the battery's juice runs out.
Hybrid Mode: With the diesel engine and electric motor working in sync, the V60 functions as a regular hybrid and extends the range up to 1,200km - almost double than what the Volt can achieve. It can even optimize energy consumption depending on the route's pre-determined distance and achieve a fuel economy of 52.6 km/L.
Power Mode: By utilizing both power sources, the V60 will have a combined 285 hp on tap for a fun spirited drive. It might not have the looks of a sports coupé, but should have the temperament of one and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds.
The Plug-in Benefits
Volvo's take on the Plug-in Hybrid concept is nothing short of revolutionary. Instead of relying solely on the diesel engine to recharge the batteries, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be charged at home or in a parking lot, where a full charge only takes between 3.5 to 7.5 hours. Volvo has also integrated a water-cooling system to keep the Lithium-ion within its ideal working temperature of 20 to 30°C.
Mounting the electric motor on the rear axle presents some benefits as well: The unconventional layout gives the V60 electric AWD, which should come handy on slippery road surfaces. But due to the electric motor's lower output, the AWD system is only active in speeds up to 100 km/h. Still, this solution is more efficient than a conventional AWD as it activates only on demand.
The V60 Plug-in Hybrid truly is Volvo's 3-in-1 green solution - combining the benefits of an electric car, the efficiency of a hybrid, and the thrill of a sports car in one package without the compromises of other individual systems. Though more advanced systems will eventually emerge in the near future, the V60 surely does present the best option we've seen by far and will be plugged-in Volvo's showroom by 2012.
Pure Driving Mode Animation
Hybrid Driving Mode Animation
Power Driving Mode Animation
Electric All-Wheel-Drive Animation
