Friday 18/4/2008 Page: 36
Volvo is launching a broad based joint research venture to spearhead the development of plug-in hybrid cars. Working in conjunction with Swedish electricity provider Vattenfall, Saab Automobile, the ElectroTechnological Centre and the Swedish Government, the project aims to develop and demonstrate the next generation of hybrid cars. A fleet of 10 plug-in hybrids that can be recharged directly from a mains power point will be produced and field tests will be conducted in Sweden.Volvo boss Fredrik Arp sees the project as a positive further development of sustainable personal transport. "We have a unique opportunity to take the lead when it conies to innovations for advanced greencar technology," he said. "We want to be involved in setting up the rules for the future and to help build up broad based competence in Sweden in this vital area," Arp added. Over a five year period, Volvo will invest more than $A2 billion in development aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
In Europe, Volvo already offers its customers one of the industry's widest ranges of Flexi-fuel engines and the company is also working to continue enhancing the efficiency of its petrol and diesel-powered cars and looking at hybrid technology. This year, the Swedish brand will launch vehicles that emit less than 120grams of CO2/km and in the medium term, petrol/electric hybrid variants will be launched. In the longer terns, plug-in hybrids will be introduced that are along the technical lines of the Volvo C30 ReCharge Concept that was revealed last year. Used in the most effective way, this concept car's carbon dioxide emissions are about 65 per cent lower than today's production hybrid cars. Volvo says that if the electricity conies from CO2 sustainable sources such as hydro-electric power and wind generated power, this figure improves still further.
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