The Swedish car maker has tested the Volvo C30 Electric in rough winter conditions in order to make sure that the battery powered hatch is able to run properly at temperatures a chilling as -20 degrees Celsius.
Besides exposing the Volvo C30 Electric to the same test regime as the regular models, the automaker has developed a new number of test methods (over 200 different tests performed in total) that push battery powered vehicles to the extremes.
Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars’ Special Vehicles says "We must ensure that the C30 Electric performs as intended when driving,
parking and charging in a variety of conditions, from normal to very
cold or hot. Northern Sweden is the perfect place to do sub-zero
temperature testing"
To make sure freezing temperatures are no match for the C30 Electric, the car has been equipped with three climate systems : one that provides heating or cooling for the passengers, one the cools or warms the battery pack and one that water cools the electric motor and the power electronics.
Also to make sure that passengers get comfortable heating during cold winter conditions, the Swedish company has developed a bio-ethanol powered heater that doesn’t compromise the battery driving range.
28 Mar 2011
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