Volvo is first again. From 0-70 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a full recharge in only 1.5 hours, this is the first electric car emerging from the strategic partnership of Volvo Cars and Siemens that delivers on Volvo’s commitment to electrification by enhancing acceleration and customer flexibility. Beginning later this 2013, European leasing customers will drive and evaluate an upgraded demo fleet of 100 Volvo C30 fully electric cars. The unique technology solutions involved can be integrated throughout the electrification range, as Volvo develops the cars of the future. The new Siemens motor has a peak power output of 120hp and a torque of 250Nm, with an acceleration of 0-70 km/h in 5.9seconds.
Adding the innovative fast charging solution will radically improve the time and mileage for the daily usage of the car. This will drastically improve the cost of ownership since the customer will now be able to drive many low cost kilometers per day. A quick 10-minute plug-in adds power for another 20 kilometres of driving,” says Lennart Stegland, Vice President Electric Propulsion Systems, Volvo Car Group.
Siemens is the main supplier of electric propulsion power train components for the forthcoming Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, which enables sophisticated electrification at all levels – from different kinds of hybrids to pure electric drive, without intruding on interior or load space.
The new 22kW fast-charger is the world’s first on-board charger that operates on a three-phase supply and is small enough to be fitted in an electric car. Using a three-phase outlet, a charge takes 1.5hours (total range 164 km according to NEDC certification driving cycle). While an ordinary single-phase 230V household outlet takes 8-10 hours, depending on the available current. The fuel cost is significantly lower than that for conventional cars, saving up to 2 to 3% of the cost, depending on fuel prices.
