Volvo has devised a bold plan that will markedly reduce its vehicles' CO2 emissions before 2012. In 2011, the Swedish manufacturer will introduce a micro-hybrid technology with start/stop function for conventional engines. The new system will improve fuel efficiency by 4 to 5% in combined highway and city driving.
In 2012, a diesel/electricity hybrid will be commercialized. This technology combines a 5-cylinder diesel engine that powers the front wheels and independent electric engines that power the rear ones. The system will also include a start/stop function that could improve fuel efficiency by 10 to 15%.
The two vehicles will be followed a little later in 2012 by a third, plug-in hybrid model. The hybrid can be plugged into an ordinary outlet overnight to recharge the batteries. This technology will feature a 100-km operating range on a single charge. As with the Chevrolet Volt, the combustion engine will recharge the batteries on the road.
photo:Volvo
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| Volvo Cars is unveiling an aggressive roadmap for cutting CO2 emissions together with the introduction of three fuel-efficient DRIVe cars. |
In 2012, a diesel/electricity hybrid will be commercialized. This technology combines a 5-cylinder diesel engine that powers the front wheels and independent electric engines that power the rear ones. The system will also include a start/stop function that could improve fuel efficiency by 10 to 15%.
The two vehicles will be followed a little later in 2012 by a third, plug-in hybrid model. The hybrid can be plugged into an ordinary outlet overnight to recharge the batteries. This technology will feature a 100-km operating range on a single charge. As with the Chevrolet Volt, the combustion engine will recharge the batteries on the road.
photo:Volvo