volvo c30 ev

Another day, another electric car previewed ahead of the 2010 Detriot show – this time it’s Volvo with an electric C30. Volvo – with USD 20.7 million support from the Swedish government – will build 50 units that will hit the streets in 2011 for a two-year trial with selected users.

Volvo presented a driveable EV prototype back in September and this C30 goes a step nearer to production reality with a complete interior as well as enhanced battery packaging.

Its lithium-ion batteries can be recharged via regular household power sockets or special roadside charging stations. Full charging takes about eight hours (230V), giving a range of up to 150 km, which meets the daily needs of over 90 per cent of European motorists, says Volvo. Top speed is about 130 km/h while the century sprint takes less than 11 seconds.

Being a Volvo, safety is guaranteed. “The batteries are well encapsulated and the structure around them has been reinforced. An electrically powered Volvo must be as safe as all other new Volvos. And the very same standards also apply to ownership, driving and protection in the event of an accident,” said Thomas Broberg, Volvo’s Senior Safety Advisor.