Frankfurt Preview: Volvo unveils ReCharge PHEV concept

   Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, VolvoClick image for galleryMaybe they should've called it the "Volt-vo." In Frankfurt, Volvo will pull the wraps off the ReCharge concept, a C30-based plug-in hybrid vehicle that combines a 1.6L flexible-fuel engine connected to an auxiliary power unit (APU), which is in powers a set of in-wheel motors. It's a series hybrid, much like the Chevy Volt. The ReCharge's EV-only range on a full battery is said to be 62 miles, and under normal operating conditions, the car's engine wouldn't be activated to help with recharging until 70% of the battery's charge has been exhausted. Volvo says that on a 90 mile trip (150 km), for example, the ReCharge would essentially average 124 mpg (1.9L/100 km). A full charge when plugged into a standard power outlet takes approximately 3 hours, but Volvo says that even 1 hour plugged in gives the car a 50% charge. Regenerative braking while underway helps charge the battery pack on the fly, and the driver can summon the combustion engine at any time to maximize charging if the situation is favorable (such as during highway driving) to get the car ready for straight EV duty at the next local stop. The ReCharge uses a lithium-polymer battery designed to last longer than the car's operating life. CO2 emissions, a key concern in Europe where the concept is being unveiled, are 66% better than what's afforded by current hybrid cars in the marketplace. We'll be on hand to bring you full details on Volvo's answer to the Chevy Volt next week.[Source: Volvo]Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Volvo unveils ReCharge PHEV concept Permalink | Email this | Comments