Volvo will launch its diesel-electric plug-in hybrid V60 in Europe next year – a limited production run of 1,000 vehicles in the range-topping ‘Pure-Limited’ specification.
Volvo plans to ramp-up production to 6,000 vehicles annually by 2014 with most sales in the Nordic region although the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France and the Netherlands will also see the V60 plug-in hybrid on sale.
The diesel-electric Volvo V60 will be badged as a ‘D6’ – the front wheels driven by Volvo’s 2.4-litre turbo-diesel with 160kW/440Nm on-tap while the rear wheels are driven by a 52kW electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery pack located under the floor. Drive is via a six-speed automatic transmission.
The default drive setting is hybrid, however using just electric energy, the Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid has a range of 50kms. In power mode the two engines combine to deliver substantial performance – zero to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.
Interestingly the driver can save battery power for pure electric use at a later time (for example drive from home to the city in hybrid or power mode and switch to electric power when entering the CBD. In this case the Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid uses its high-tension alternator to ensure full battery charge is maintained.
