Volvo Range Extenders

Volvo is set to explore range extender technology early next year using three new concepts.

Recognising that the appeal of purely electric cars remains hampered by current battery capacities, the vehicles will all feature a three-cylinder petrol / ethanol engine in combination with an electric motor.

The first is a series-connected C30 Range Extender, which features a 59 bhp (45 kW / 60 PS) engine that’s mounted under the boot floor. Ordinarily, it’s used to drive a 109 bhp (82 kW / 111 PS) electric motor via a 40 kW generator, although the generator can also be used to recharge the battery. Running in pure electric mode, the C30’s range is around 70 miles (110 km).

Volvo C30 Range Extender Concept (Series-Connected) Schematic


Next up is another C30, although parallel connection means it functions more like a traditional hybrid. Thanks to a turbocharger, the combustion engine’s output is increased to 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS), and it directly drives the rear wheels via a six-speed auto transmission.

Power can also be sent to the on-board generator, which in turn charges the battery. Electric range is up to 45 miles (75 km), but the benefit of parallel connection means that the engine and motor can be used together. In this configuration, combined power is over 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS), and it’s reckoned that that should result in a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of under six seconds.

Volvo C30 Range Extender Concept (Parallel-Connected) Schematic


Finally, there’s the parallel-connected V60 Range Extender. This uses the same powertrain as its C30 counterpart, but the larger body means that everything can fit under the bonnet. A difference is that when travelling at up to 31 mph (50 km/h), the V60 is driven solely by the electric motor, with the battery being good enough for a range of about 30 miles (50 km). At higher speeds, the petrol engine automatically kicks in to drive the front wheels.

Volvo V60 Range Extender Concept (Parallel-Connected) Schematic


Related posts:
Volvo Flywheel KERS
Volvo V60 diesel hybrid

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