Volvo joins the Plug-in brigade with ReCharge

Volvo is entering the plug-in hybrid market with its concept called “ReCharge” being presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the Volvo C30 compact hatchback, the vehicle is powered by a 1.6L four cylinder flex-fuel engine and in-line electric motors on each of its wheels, thereby making it a “series” hybrid. The electric motors are driven by an lithium polymer battery pack which is charged by a generator connected to the flex-fuel engine during normal operation. While the car is parked at home, the batteries can be charged by simply plugging into the electrical outlet. The batteries take about 4 hours to fully charge.

The ReCharge can travel about 62 miles on battery power alone after which the flex-fuel engine kicks in to recharge the battery while still operating the engine. While the car can automatically switch to flex-fuel when the battery charge drops below 30%, the car can also be manually switched to flex-fuel mode at the press of a button. According to Volvo, anyone who commutes less than 60 miles a day will likely not have to visit the gas station for a very long time as the car will be mostly running on battery power. According to Ichiro Sugioka, Volvo ReCharge project manager, the fact that the car has been designed to mostly run on battery power makes it different from other hybrids.

Since it is based on the sporty Volvo C30, the ReCharge can reach top speeds of 100 mph and go from 0-62 mph in 9 seconds. Don’t get too excited just yet. Still in a concept phase, it’s likely to be a couple of years away before it gets into production.

See video of Volvo ReCharge: