Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Volvo FE Hybrid Truck - Click for gallery

In many cities, garbage trucks can wake up entire neighborhoods with the sound of diesel engines. When the new Volvo FE truck goes on sale (expected to take place in 2012), waste management companies will be able to opt for a truck that produces no noise, at low least some of the time. The FE truck is a parallel hybrid, like the Toyota Prius, and can operate using just the electric motor and lithium-ion batteries at low speeds; the diesel engine starts up when more power is needed or the battery is flat. The spec sheet is impressive: there's a 7-liter 300 hp engine mated to a 3-phase 120 kW motor, fed by 600V lithium ion batteries. Volvo states that this set-up manages to reduce fuel consumption by 30 percent and, in start-stop driving, drops noise levels a few dB for sleeping neighbors.


Gallery: 2010 Volvo FE Hybrid truck


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery

Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diesel hybridDieselHybridhybrid truckHybridTruckrefuse truckRefuseTrucktruckvolvo truckVolvoTruckWed, 04 Nov 2009 08:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo to introduce plug-in diesel hybrid in 2012]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/volvo-to-introduced-plug-in-diesel-hybrid-in-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/volvo-to-introduced-plug-in-diesel-hybrid-in-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/volvo-to-introduced-plug-in-diesel-hybrid-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Volvo V70 plug-in hybrid demonstrator - Click above for high-res image gallery

Several months ago, Volvo revealed a demonstration prototype of a plug-in hybrid car based on the current V70 wagon. Today, the Swedish brand announced that it would start building a production car with a plug-in hybrid diesel powertrain in 2012. At this point, there is no indication about which body style or model would form the basis of the PHEV, although the next-generation V70 would seem to be a suitable candidate.

The V70 demonstrator uses a through-the-road hybrid configuration where the internal combustion engine drives the front wheels and an electric motor drives the rear axle. Volvo plans to follow a similar pattern for the production car since the cost of developing and building such a system is lower - for instance, there is no need for a fancy power split transmission. It also provides the capability for on-demand all-wheel drive when road conditions are poor. Volvo is projecting that the production PHEV will manage carbon emissions of less than 50 g/km along with an electric driving range of about 30 miles per charge. Hit the jump to read the press release.


Gallery: Volvo V70 plug-in hybrid demonstrator


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo to introduce plug-in diesel hybrid in 2012

Volvo to introduce plug-in diesel hybrid in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volvo phev2012VolvoPhevdieseldiesel hybriddiesel plug-in hybriddiesel-hybridDieselHybridDieselPlug-inHybridvolvovolvo phevvolvo phev productionvolvo plug in hybridvolvo plug-inVolvoPhevVolvoPhevProductionVolvoPlug-inVolvoPlugInHybridFri, 25 Sep 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo applies its safety know-how to the world of EVs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/volvo-applies-its-safety-know-how-to-the-world-of-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/volvo-applies-its-safety-know-how-to-the-world-of-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/volvo-applies-its-safety-know-how-to-the-world-of-evs/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volvo C30 BEV prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the course of Volvo's history, the one feature its cars were perhaps best known for - aside from looking like the boxes they came in - was safety. Volvo was among the pioneers in developing safety cages to protect passengers in the event of impact. Now, the Swedish automaker wants to apply the same ideas to protecting the batteries in the electric vehicles. Because of the size and mass of the battery pack along with the high voltage, securing and protecting the pack is critical.

Currently, Volvo is conducting component-level testing of EV components before integrating them into a vehicle. In its planning for future EV products, Volvo is designing a secure capsule for the battery pack and will install it between the rear wheels and out of the crumple zones at the ends of the car. On the plus side, EV's have a potential advantage in not carrying any liquid fuel. The Volvo press release is after the jump.


Gallery: Volvo C30 BEV


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo applies its safety know-how to the world of EVs

Volvo applies its safety know-how to the world of EVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicle safetyelectric volvoElectricVehicleSafetyElectricVolvoev safetyEvSafetyvolvovolvo c30volvo electric vehiclevolvo evvolvo ev safetyVolvoC30VolvoElectricVehicleVolvoEvVolvoEvSafetyWed, 23 Sep 2009 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo announces bio-dimethyl ether partnership]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/volvo-announces-bio-dimethyl-ether-partnership/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/volvo-announces-bio-dimethyl-ether-partnership/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/volvo-announces-bio-dimethyl-ether-partnership/#commentsFiled under: ,



Dimethyl ether (DME) is one of those fuels that is not well known to the general public but is should be, if for no other reason than it promises up to 95 percent carbon neutrality. According to Wikipedia and my Chemistry 101 book, it's a clean-burning gas that can be sourced from renewable materials. In the case of a project leaded by Volvo, the source is something called "black liquor," an energy-rich, highly viscous by-product of the paper pulp industry. The Volvo project uses 14 Volvo FH trucks that will be tested by selected customers at four locations in different parts of Sweden between 2010 and 2012 at four oil company Preem stations. Four tons of bio-DME per day will be made at the Smurfit Kappa Kraftliner pulp plant. DME takes the liquid form at just 5 bar pressure, so it can be used in place of LPG. Potential uses of bio-sourced DME include mixing it with LPG itself to create "bio-LPG." Learn more in this video.

[Source: Volvo]

Volvo announces bio-dimethyl ether partnership originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BIO-DMEDimethyl etherDimethylEtherdmelpgswedenvolvo trucksVolvoTrucksTue, 22 Sep 2009 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Volvo reveals battery-powered C30 [w/VIDEO]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/frankfurt-2009-volvo-reveals-battery-powered-c30-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/frankfurt-2009-volvo-reveals-battery-powered-c30-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/frankfurt-2009-volvo-reveals-battery-powered-c30-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volvo C30 BEV prototype - click above for high res image gallery

We were already aware that Volvo has been working on a plug-in hybrid version of its compact C30 for some time with the intent of introducing a production model in 2012. In Frankfurt this week, Ford's Swedish outpost also showed off a full battery electric version of the hatchback. Volvo has apparently been testing several prototypes already this year. The 24 kWh lithium ion battery pack is installed in the center tunnel of the car. The electric motor and electronics remain in the standard engine compartment. Volvo claims the C30 BEV can go 93 miles on a full battery charge. The pack takes about 8 hours to charge from a 230 V 16 A outlet that is standard in Europe.

It's not clear if Volvo is collaborating with the Ford engineers working on the 2011 Focus-based BEV or following its own path. The C30 is built on the current European Focus platform. Volvo states that it will focus on PHEVs for the larger cars in its lineup, but hasn't decided whether to proceed with a production BEV.

Gallery: Volvo C30 BEV


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Volvo reveals battery-powered C30 [w/VIDEO]

Frankfurt 2009: Volvo reveals battery-powered C30 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingelectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarselectricvehicleElectricVehiclesevfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowvolvovolvo c30volvo c30 bevVolvoC30VolvoC30BevThu, 17 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Revealed: Volvo's first-ever all-electric production car (yes, it's a golf cart)]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/revealed-volvos-first-ever-all-electric-production-car-yes-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/revealed-volvos-first-ever-all-electric-production-car-yes-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/revealed-volvos-first-ever-all-electric-production-car-yes-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Volvo Golf Cart - Click above for high-res image gallery

For all of the work that car companies are doing to shift public perception away from the electric vehicle=golf cart image, Volvo has proudly announced that its first all-electric car will be, in fact, a golf cart. It's called, wait for it, the Volvo Golf Cart.

Looking a little bit like a Volvo C70, the single-seat cart was developed by Swedish company Pro Green Nordic and really only shares the look and badge with other Volvos. The cart uses three 12V batteries that recharge overnight and offer a 15 km/h top speed. Volvo is planning on unveiling the car during the European leg of the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Casares, Spain in late October. The price will probably be a painful $8,000 U.S., but the good news is that this sucker has a 60-km (37-mile) range, so you can be confident driving it home after a day on the greens.

Gallery: Volvo Golf Cart


[Source: Volvo]

Revealed: Volvo's first-ever all-electric production car (yes, it's a golf cart) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c70c70 golf cartC70GolfCartfalsegolf cartGolfCartvolvovolvo c70volvo c70 golf cartvolvo golf cartVolvoC70VolvoC70GolfCartVolvoGolfCartThu, 17 Sep 2009 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Volvo introduces C30 DRIVe with 99 g/km of CO<sub>2</sub>]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-volvo-introduces-c30-drive-with-99-g-km-of-co-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-volvo-introduces-c30-drive-with-99-g-km-of-co-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-volvo-introduces-c30-drive-with-99-g-km-of-co-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Volvo C30 - click above for a high res image gallery

Volvo has introduced its latest high efficiency model at Frankfurt Motor Show in the shape of the refreshed C30 DRIVe. The C30 shares its C1 platform with the current European-spec Ford Focus and the Mazda3 and this variant appears to share most of its technology with the ECOnetic version of the Ford. That means it gets a 1.6-liter four cylinder diesel and automatic start-stop capability. The existing C30 DRIVe gets a CO2 rating of 104 g/km, but this update pushes that down into double digits - just 99 g/km. When measured in terms of fuel consumption, the C30 sips just 3.8 liters of diesel for every 100 km on the EU combined driving cycle or 61.9 mpg (U.S.). The 2010 C30 gets a revamped front fascia that draws on the swoopier look shown in the S60 concept we saw in Detroit this year.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo C30


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Volvo introduces C30 DRIVe with 99 g/km of CO2

Frankfurt 2009: Volvo introduces C30 DRIVe with 99 g/km of CO2 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volvo c302010 volvo c30 DRIVe2010VolvoC302010VolvoC30Drivec30frankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowvolvovolvo c30volvo c30 drivevolvoc30VolvoC30DriveWed, 16 Sep 2009 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Volvo working on electric C30, will show concept in Frankfurt]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/report-volvo-working-on-electric-c30-will-show-concept-in-fran/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/report-volvo-working-on-electric-c30-will-show-concept-in-fran/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/report-volvo-working-on-electric-c30-will-show-concept-in-fran/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volvo ReCharge concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery

According to Autocar in the UK, Volvo has confirmed it's planning to debut an all-electric C30 hatchback at its Innovation for Life event at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. We first heard rumors of such a machine last week, but at the time the Swedish automaker wasn't willing to confirm its presence.

Says an unnamed source at Volvo, "One of the cars that will be shown at the Innovation for Life event will be an all-electric C30 and that car will be driven. At the moment, the all-electric C30 is just a concept and Volvo has no current plans to put it into production." When pressed about its chances for production, the source said, "It is an evaluation concept... It's being worked on and is part of an ongoing evaluation and we will make a decision in the future. At the moment, we are not considering putting it into production."

Volvo has confirmed an upcoming plug-in hybrid hybrid version of its V70 wagon using an electric motor to power the rear wheels and a diesel engine to power the front. That car is expected to debut in full production form in 2012.


Gallery: Volvo ReCharge PHEV project


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Volvo working on electric C30, will show concept in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric volvoelectric volvo c30electric volvo conceptElectricVolvoElectricVolvoC30ElectricVolvoConceptfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowinnovation for lifeInnovationForLifevolvovolvo c30volvo c30 evvolvo evvolvo frankfurtVolvoC30VolvoC30EvVolvoEvVolvoFrankfurtMon, 10 Aug 2009 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Volvo building secret C30 EV?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/rumormill-volvo-building-secret-c30-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/rumormill-volvo-building-secret-c30-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/rumormill-volvo-building-secret-c30-ev/#commentsFiled under: ,


Volvo ReCharge concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery

We know for sure that Volvo is in the midst of developing a new plug-in hybrid hybrid version of its V70 wagon using an electric motor to power the rear wheels and a diesel engine to power the front. That's exciting enough, but is there more greenery going on behind Swedish doors in the form of a pure electric vehicle that we're not aware of? Could be, according to an anonymous source quoted by the New York Times. For what it's worth, a Volvo spokesperson gave the expected "no comment" when prodded about the possibility of a fully electric model but stopped short of denying the speculation entirely.

If there's any truth to this rumor, an electric version of the small C30 hatchback could be in the works, likely sharing a number of components with its hybrid stablemate. We would also guess that Ener1 could be tapped to provide lithium ion battery packs since the American company is providing the 11.3 kWh power packs for the Volvo's plug-in project. A curious case of intrigue indeed.


Gallery: Volvo ReCharge PHEV project


[Source: NY Times]

Rumormill: Volvo building secret C30 EV? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric c30electric volvoelectric volvo c30ElectricC30ElectricVolvoElectricVolvoC30ener1enerdelvolvovolvo c30volvo ener1volvo enerdelvolvo evVolvoC30VolvoEner1VolvoEnerdelVolvoEvThu, 06 Aug 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ener1 to supply batteries for Volvo PHEV, what about Th!nk?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/ener1-to-supply-batteries-for-volvo-phev-what-about-th-nk/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/ener1-to-supply-batteries-for-volvo-phev-what-about-th-nk/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/ener1-to-supply-batteries-for-volvo-phev-what-about-th-nk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Volvo plug-in hybrid - click above for hi-res gallery

Volvo is building several plug-in hybrid prototypes of its V70 station wagon to begin field tests this fall in Europe. The cars are using lithium ion battery packs that will be supplied by Indiana-based Ener1. The 11.3 kWh packs will provide 31 miles of electric driving range through the rear wheels. Once the batteries reach the depletion point, the standard diesel engine at the front takes over. It's not known at this point if the car will use regenerative braking to replenish the battery and provide conventional hybrid operation. If it does, this would be a through-the-road hybrid system similar to the one being developed by Peugeot and branded as HYbrid4. Volvo's intent is to get its plug-in hybrid system into full production by 2012.

While this collaboration with Volvo is good for Ener1, what of the company's other Scandinavian partner, Th!nk? No mention is made of the Norwegian EV maker but there is no reason to believe this project will affect Th!nk one way or the other. Th!nk has plenty of its own financial problems to deal with right now. Ener1's press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Volvo and Vattenfall Plug-in hybrid


[Source: Ener1, Cleantech.com]

Continue reading Ener1 to supply batteries for Volvo PHEV, what about Th!nk?

Ener1 to supply batteries for Volvo PHEV, what about Th!nk? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ener1enerdellithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesthinkvolvovolvo v70volvo v70 phevVolvoV70VolvoV70PhevFri, 17 Jul 2009 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Hybrid Volvo buses and trucks to use Magna Steyr batteries, A123 cells]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/hybrid-volvo-buses-and-trucks-to-use-magna-steyr-batteries-a123/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/hybrid-volvo-buses-and-trucks-to-use-magna-steyr-batteries-a123/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/hybrid-volvo-buses-and-trucks-to-use-magna-steyr-batteries-a123/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It looks like Ford won't be the only company getting lithium ion battery packs from Magna International. The Magna Steyr division of the supplier announced last week that it will begin production of packs at its plant in Graz, Austria next month. The packs will be supplied to Volvo for use in its buses, heavy duty trucks and garbage trucks equipped with hybrid powertrains. Volvo uses a parallel hybrid system for its vehicles.

Magna is using lithium ion cells provided by A123 Systems in a roof-mounted liquid cooled pack. The pack has a capacity of 4.8 kWh with output of 600V. The electric motor in the hybrid system is rated at 94 hp and 295 lb-ft of continuous output. The lithium cells used in this application are A123 type-32113 cylindrical cells. The current version has an output of 3.8 Ah per cell while an upgraded version coming in 2010 will have 4.4-4.6 Ah per cell.

[Source: Magna via GreenCarCongress]

Continue reading Hybrid Volvo buses and trucks to use Magna Steyr batteries, A123 cells

Hybrid Volvo buses and trucks to use Magna Steyr batteries, A123 cells originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123a123 systemsa123-systemsa123-systems-lithium-iona123-systems-lithium...a123systemslithiumlithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesmagna internationalmagna stery lithium ion batteriesmagna steyrMagnaInternationalMagnaSteryLithiumIonBatteriesMagnaSteyrMon, 13 Jul 2009 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Swedish heatwave prompts recall of thousands of flex fuel Volvos]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/swedish-heatwave-prompts-recall-of-thousands-of-flex-fuel-volvos/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/swedish-heatwave-prompts-recall-of-thousands-of-flex-fuel-volvos/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/swedish-heatwave-prompts-recall-of-thousands-of-flex-fuel-volvos/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After receiving hundreds of complaints from Swedish drivers who have been left stranded by the side of the road, Volvo has recalled 8,500 of its V70 and S80 Flexifuel vehicles. Apparently the rigorous environmental testing the car maker employs does not extend to heatwaves like the one Sweden happens to be caught in the grips of...wait a sec. Heatwave? Sweden?

Anyway, seems the non-return valve and the pressure regulator (stick with me here) in the fuel pump of cars built between late November of 2007 and September of 2008 experience some loosening when the outside temperature gets too high. This results in the cessation of fuel flow which, of course, causes the engine to stop running. This also means the air conditioning stops and, since it's blazing like the dickens outside, causes drivers to lose their cool and call the car company to complain. The offending vehicles have for the most part been sold in Sweden, though there are a smattering within several countries of the European Union. The problem is not thought to be directly related to the burning of bio-fuels.

[Source: The Swedish Wire]

Swedish heatwave prompts recall of thousands of flex fuel Volvos originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FlexifuelHeatwaverecallS80SwedenV70Volvo recallVolvoRecallThu, 09 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Hybrid sales up despite another down month overall, Prius leads charge]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/04/hybrid-sale-up-despite-another-down-month-overall/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/04/hybrid-sale-up-despite-another-down-month-overall/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/04/hybrid-sale-up-despite-another-down-month-overall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Initial strong sales of the 2010 Honda Insight slowed last month, but new models of the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion helped give hybrids car sales in June 2009 a nine percent increase over last June. In the U.S., dealers sold 26,205 new hybrids in June, 49.6 of which (12,998 units) were Priuses. Compared to May, hybird sales were up two percent, according to data released by the automakers and complied by Green Car Advisor. This was the sixth month where hybrid increased in sales volumes. Potential reasons for the increase include the new models as well as rising gas prices (and the expectation thereof) and some uncommon hybrid sales incentives. Overall, sales were down for everyone but Subaru and Volvo compared to June 2008.

Gallery: Ford Fusion hybrid


[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Hybrid sales up despite another down month overall, Prius leads charge originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesCarSaleshybridhybrid carshybrid salesHybridCarshybridsHybridSalesSat, 04 Jul 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo and Vattenfall team up to develop plug-in hybrid [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/01/volvo-and-vattenfall-team-up-to-develop-plug-in-hybrid-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/01/volvo-and-vattenfall-team-up-to-develop-plug-in-hybrid-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/01/volvo-and-vattenfall-team-up-to-develop-plug-in-hybrid-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Volvo plug-in hybrid - click above for a hi-res gallery

Volvo and Vattenfall have just made an announcement that should hurry the Swedish car maker along the hybrid highway. The two companies have partnered to develop a plug-in diesel hybrid that should begin series production in 2012 with the first 3 demonstration vehicles to be completed this summer. Volvo, of course, will supply the cars while the energy giant will bring charging units and the actual carbon-free electricity to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) equation. Other hybrids being baked by the Ford-owned brand include a "micro-hybrid" for 2011 as well as the ReCharge concept.

Technologically, this PHEV is quite interesting. It will use 71 percent of its 11.3 kWh pack of lithium ion batteries to power the back wheels for about 30 miles (50 km). After that, the diesel engine takes over and will then drive the front wheels. The charging time for the battery is about 5 hours through a household type outlet and the car, which will use the body of the Volvo V70, will feature regenerative braking. Hit the jump for the official press release as well as a video outlining the program. Thanks to everyone for the tip!

Gallery: Volvo and Vattenfall Plug-in hybrid


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo and Vattenfall team up to develop plug-in hybrid [w/video]

Volvo and Vattenfall team up to develop plug-in hybrid [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdiesel hybriddiesel phevDieselHybridDieselPhevplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridSwedenVattenfallVolvo V70VolvoV70Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo starts testing hybrid bus in Göteborg, Sweden]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/volvo-starts-testing-hybrid-bus-in-goteborg-sweden/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/volvo-starts-testing-hybrid-bus-in-goteborg-sweden/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/volvo-starts-testing-hybrid-bus-in-goteborg-sweden/#commentsFiled under: ,



Volvo has begun field trials of its first hybrid bus in the Swedish city of Göteborg. Volvo's hybrid system is of the parallel type, allowing the bus to be operated off either the diesel engine, electric motor or both. When the bus comes to a stop, the engine is automatically shut off. Like other hybrids, the powertrain captures kinetic energy through regenerative breaking, When the bus pulls away from a stop, it does so under electrical power alone up to about 12 mph. The electrical energy is stored in a battery pack mounted on the roof, although Volvo doesn't specify the type of battery. Depending on the duty cycle, the hybrid can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30 percent compared to a standard diesel bus.

Volvo plans to launch series production of its hybrid buses early next year with orders already pending from Luxemborg and Switzerland.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo starts testing hybrid bus in Göteborg, Sweden

Volvo starts testing hybrid bus in Göteborg, Sweden originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>volvovolvo hybridvolvo hybrid busVolvoHybridVolvoHybridBusThu, 30 Apr 2009 08:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Swedish Racing Green: Volvo adds R-Design bodykit to DRIVe range]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/swedish-racing-green-volvo-adds-r-design-bodykit-to-drive-range/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/swedish-racing-green-volvo-adds-r-design-bodykit-to-drive-range/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/swedish-racing-green-volvo-adds-r-design-bodykit-to-drive-range/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Volvo C30 DRIVe - Click above for a high-res gallery

Just because you want to drive an eco-friendly vehicle doesn't mean you can't have any style, at least according to Volvo. The Swedish automaker has just announced that it's adding an optional R-Design bodykit on its entire range of reduced-consumption DRIVe models. When equipped with the R-DESIGN package, C30, S40 and V50 1.6D DRIVe models record an impressive 52.3 mpg (62.8 mpg in the UK) on the combined cycle and CO2-emissions of just 119 g/km across the board.

Choosing the R-DESIGN option will get you 17-inch alloy rims, a set of wind deflecting spoilers and side skirts, a set of unique badges and a chassis that sits 10 mm lower, which Volvo says improves both fuel efficiency and handling. Inside, cream leather upholstery and blue dials remind you of your efficient ways.

Standard DRIVe models now feature stop/start technology, which improve fuel efficiency to 60.2 mpg (72.4 U.K.) for the C30, S40 and V50 models and reduces carbon emissions to 104 g/km.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Volvo DRIVe models


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Swedish Racing Green: Volvo adds R-Design bodykit to DRIVe range

Swedish Racing Green: Volvo adds R-Design bodykit to DRIVe range originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>volvovolvo drivevolvo drive r-designvolvo r-designVolvoDriveVolvoDriveR-designVolvoR-designFri, 24 Apr 2009 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Automakers line up for UK scrapping scheme]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/automakers-line-up-for-uk-scrapping-scheme/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/automakers-line-up-for-uk-scrapping-scheme/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/automakers-line-up-for-uk-scrapping-scheme/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



The powers-that-be in the United Kingdom have announced a vehicle scrapping plan that would pay motorists 2,000 pounds to turn in a vehicle that's at least 10 years old in exchange for a new car or truck. In reality, the government is only chipping in half that amount, and the automakers themselves are expected to throw in the other thousand pounds.

There were a number of dissenting opinions coming from the car companies that weren't sure about the merits of matching the government's £1,000 figure, but Autocar is reporting that Ford, BMW, Citroen, Hyundai, Nissan, Renault, Toyota and Volvo have all announced their plans to take part in the program. We'd be surprised if the majority of the remaining car manufacturers didn't join in too.

Despite the fact that these automakers are officially offering their half of the scrapping incentive, individual dealerships will still be able to set their own final price for any specific car.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Matt Cardy/Getty]

Automakers line up for UK scrapping scheme originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a gallery of the Volvo FE hybrid truck

Every year since 1988, Volvo has conducted its own awards ceremony for the designers and engineers the Swedish automaker employs. This year, the six men who created Volvo's Integrated Starter Alternator Motor, or I-SAM for short, have taken home the Technology Award trophy. The I-SAM unit transforms large commercial trucks into parallel hybrids and reportedly accounts for a fuel savings of 20 percent for trucks, 30 percent for buses and up to 50 percent for wheel loaders. Of course, burning less gas means emitting smaller amounts of pollution and carbon dioxide.

Improvements are most dramatic on vehicles that come to frequent stops, like those that operate in dense urban settings. Conveniently, it is exactly in these instances that the truck's quiet operation is also highly desirable. For these reasons, Volvo believes that the day is quickly coming when all of its commercial vehicles will be equipped with the I-SAM hybrid system. See the full press release after the break.

Gallery: Volvo Trucks heavy-duty FE hybrid


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading And the Volvo 2009 Technology Award goes to...

And the Volvo 2009 Technology Award goes to... originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybrid bushybrid commercial truckhybrid truckhybrid wheel loaderHybridBusHybridCommercialTruckHybridTruckHybridWheelLoadervolvovolvo hybridvolvo hybrid truckvolvo technology awardVolvoHybridVolvoHybridTruckVolvoTechnologyAwardThu, 02 Apr 2009 07:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo to bring V70, S80, XC60, and XC70 DRIVe models to Geneva]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/volvo-to-bring-v70-s80-xc60-and-xc70-drive-models-to-geneva/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/volvo-to-bring-v70-s80-xc60-and-xc70-drive-models-to-geneva/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/volvo-to-bring-v70-s80-xc60-and-xc70-drive-models-to-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of Volvo DRIVe models

Last year at the Paris Motor Show, Volvo introduced the world to its first three DRIVe models, which feature a slew of changes, including efficient diesel engines, manual gearboxes, stop/start, lowered ride height, aerodynamic tweaks and low rolling resistance tires. All of these modifications are meant to increase fuel efficiency and therefore decrease vehicle emissions. The models already available are based on the C30 SportsCoupe (53.4 mpg U.S.), the S40 saloon and the V50 Sportswagon (both at 52.3 mpg U.S.). Next week at the Geneva Motor Show, Volvo will debut four new vehicles to add to its growing DRIVe range.

The Volvo V70 and S80 DRIVe will feature the same 108-horsepower and 177lb ft 1.6-liter turbodiesel that the DRIVe versions of the C30, S40 and V50 are fitted with, allowing for a rating of 57.6 mpg in EU testing (48 mpg U.S.), with CO2 emissions of 129g/km. Volvo's XC60 and XC70 also get the DRIVe treatment, though they feature a larger 2.4-liter 5-cylinder turbodiesel engine that drives the front wheels only and returns 47.1 mpg (39 mpg U.S.) and CO2 emissions of 159g/km. All four new DRIVe models will be available in the UK.this summer.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Volvo DRIVe models


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo to bring V70, S80, XC60, and XC70 DRIVe models to Geneva

Volvo to bring V70, S80, XC60, and XC70 DRIVe models to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowvolvovolvo drivevolvo drive c30volvo drive s40volvo drive s80volvo drive v50volvo drive v70volvo drive xc60volvo drive xc70VolvoDriveVolvoDriveC30VolvoDriveS40VolvoDriveS80VolvoDriveV50VolvoDriveV70VolvoDriveXc60VolvoDriveXc70Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo XC60 diesel beats gas over 662 miles in Northern California]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/08/volvo-xc60-diesel-beats-gas-over-662-miles-in-northern-californi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/08/volvo-xc60-diesel-beats-gas-over-662-miles-in-northern-californi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/08/volvo-xc60-diesel-beats-gas-over-662-miles-in-northern-californi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The guys at Popular Mechanics recently had an opportunity to test out Volvo's new XC60 crossover in Northern California. When the XC60 goes on sale in the U.S. next month, it will only be offered with a 281 hp turbocharged 3.0L inline six cylinder. For the media drive, Volvo brought over some examples of the European-spec diesel model. The PM crew took one of the 182 hp 2.4L five cylinder diesels out on a 662-mile trip alongside a U.S. gas model. While the gas model proved a bit more responsive than the diesel, the oil burner's torque proved itself useful climbing the hills when they got into San Francisco. To no one's surprise, the diesel handily beat the gas version, so much so that even with the higher price of diesel fuel it still came out ahead. The diesel XC60's 27.3 mpg was 39 percent better than the gas engine and with diesel at $3.00 and gas at $2.30, the operating cost of the diesel was 13.5 percent less. Volvo is expected to debut a new diesel engine at the Geneva next and rumor has it they may offer it in the U.S.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Volvo XC60 diesel beats gas over 662 miles in Northern California originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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