Rumormill: Volvo building secret C30 EV?

We know for sure that Volvo is in the midst of developing a new 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's exciting enough, but is there more greenery going on behind Swedish doors in the form of a pure electric vehicle that we're not aware of? Could be, according to an anonymous source quoted by the New York Times. For what it's worth, a Volvo spokesperson gave the expected "no comment" when prodded about the possibility of a fully electric model but stopped short of denying the speculation entirely.

If there's any truth to this rumor, an electric version of the small C30 hatchback could be in the works, likely sharing a number of components with its hybrid stablemate. We would also guess that Ener1 could be tapped to provide lithium ion battery packs since the American company is providing the 11.3 kWh power packs for the Volvo's plug-in project. A curious case of intrigue indeed.

[Source: NY Times]