It’s the most shocking new Volvo ever launched… And Auto Express is first behind the wheel. Part electric dream and part biofuel-powered hatchback, the C30 Recharge is the Swedish firm’s vision of the future, and it could go on sale as early as 2012.
Not content with building some of the safest cars on the road, bosses have created the Recharge as part of an effort to make the greenest, too.The newcomer is best described as an advanced hybrid, with power coming from four electric motors mounted in the wheels. However, unlike some other hi-tech concepts, this one promises some serious advantages.
That’s because the energy to propel the car comes from three distinct sources. Rather than relying solely on battery power, the C30 Recharge also has a 1.6-litre biodiesel under the bonnet. This is attached to a large alternator to give an extra boost to the power systems. There’s no physical link between the engine and wheels, however; only an electrical one.
The engine can therefore be run at its most efficient point to make power, rather than being forced to run to the very top of its rev range to provide forward motion. This not only improves real-world performance but also the kind of punch the electric motors need to keep up with fast-moving traffic.
