REPORT: Volvo working on electric C30, will show concept in Frankfurt
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Aug 10th 2009 at 9:28AM 
Volvo ReCharge concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery
According to Autocar, Volvo has confirmed it's planning to debut an all-electric C30 hatchback at its Innovation for Life event at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. We first heard rumors of such a machine last week, but at the time the Swedish automaker wasn't willing to confirm its presence.
Says an unnamed source from Volvo, "One of the cars that will be shown at the... event will be an all-electric C30 and that car will be driven. At the moment, the all-electric C30 is just a concept and Volvo has no current plans to put it into production." When pressed about its chances of hitting dealers, the source said, "It is an evaluation concept... It's being worked on and is part of an ongoing evaluation and we will make a decision in the future. At the moment, we are not considering putting it into production."
Volvo has confirmed an upcoming plug-in hybrid hybrid version of its V70 wagon using an electric motor to power the rear wheels and a diesel engine to power the front. That car is expected to debut in full production form in 2012.
Gallery: Volvo ReCharge PHEV project
[Source: Autocar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
nardvark 9:40AM (8/10/2009)
Well, if it's more affordable than the electric MINI, I'd be very interested...but I'm guessing it will push over $35k pretty easily.
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Tourian A5 11:24AM (8/10/2009)
I find it a little pointless to show a concept with technology that isn't innovative or efficient, and then going on to say you have no plans to produce it.
So Volvo, exactly what's the point of this car? Showing us that you too can put laptop batteries in a car and not make it cuz it's too expensive? It's been done a bunch of times already...
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David Naylor 11:38AM (8/10/2009)
I agree completely. Come on now Volvo, just make the car!! The car companies are SOOOOOOOO SLOOOOOOOOOOOW to actually *make* all the energy efficient cars they love to *talk* about.
SNIFFDAR 11:27AM (8/10/2009)
In almost 2 years time, I've seen exactly 2 C30's on the road.
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nardvark 11:43AM (8/10/2009)
I see a bunch around here (Central New Jersey). It's a good car for the area, because we have a lot of old, narrow roads and tight parking, but it can still take a hit from an Escalade (of which there are many around here). The people I've talked to who own them love the little things.
SNIFFDAR 1:17PM (8/10/2009)
That sounds about right. I could see Volvo C30's hoofing it in New Jersey. You just don't see them here in Arizona. The funny thing is that Volvo tests their prototypes out here. You can see them slogging between Wickenberg through Surprise and up to Phoenix.
Trust me, I have no ill will toward the C30 and wish there were more options like it. Too bad Volkswagen copied the hatch design with the Scirocco. I think that may be some of the reason why the Scirocco doesn't grace our shores (more hatch looking than coupe). But here's to the C30, Cheers!
Olivier Parent 11:43AM (8/10/2009)
Looks very nice in white, not so sure about the rims and grille though. Main problem with Volvo is the price. Too close to the more prestigious German brands. People aren't ready for that yet and probably never will be.
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Richard S. 12:41PM (8/10/2009)
It makes sense for Volvo to offer either electric or plug-in vehicles. It is much easier to charge a premium for the technology when you are selling a Volvo than a Chevrolet (Volt).
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Tohe 2:01AM (8/11/2009)
The C30 would make a nice EV, but what I would love to see is an EV Ford Fiesta.
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