The 2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, the world’s first diesel plug-in
hybrid is going on sale in UK so for those who want an eco-friendly,
fuel efficient estate that is also capable of turning into a
‘muscle-car’ at the push of a button, then you could consider the
Swedish automaker’s new offering.
The 2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in
Hybrid is priced between 45,000 and 50,000 GBP in the UK (minus the
government’s plug-in car grant), with sales for the first 1,000 units
scheduled to start in November. In 2013 the automaker says it will
increase production to 4,000 to 6,000 exemplars, and the car will be sold
as a model year 2014.
Available in just one colour (Electric
Silver), the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be offered with 17 inch aero-design
wheels and various bodywork features in glossy black, plus the D6 badge
at the back due to the fact that the car’s combined output from its
five-cylinder turbo diesel and electric motor is the same range with
that the petrol powered T6 produces.
In this case we are talking
about a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbo diesel rated at 215 HP and 440 Nm
of torque that is linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, plus a 70 HP
electric motor that spins the rear axle, supplied with energy from a
11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The battery pack contains 200 cells and is placed under the floor of the luggage compartment.
This powertrain architecture allows the V60 Plug-in Hybrid to be driven in three different modes : Pure, Hybrid and Power.
In
Pure mode the car can cover up to 32 miles with zero tailpipe
emissions, in Hybrid mode (the standard setting) the range extends to
621 miles with CO2 levels of 49 g/Km and in Power model the V60 will
generate a total of 285 horses and 620 Nm and will also be able to
sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds.
Recharging the car will depend on the power outlet’s amperage. A
230V/6A outlet will charge the car in 7.5 hours, one with 10A will fully
recharge it in 4.5 hours and one with 16A will do it in 3.5 hours.
Volvo has also released a new promo for its 2012 V60 Plug-in Hybrid which you can check out below the jump.
2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Promo Video :
