Volvo converts C30 into EV, maintains power with zero emission

Volvo's C30 is deemed a perfect blend of style and retro sensibility added with aggressive front end and a big sized hatch on the back. However, Volvo wasn’t impressed with the emission rate. As a result, pursued the electric version and comes out a winner with C30 EV, thus reducing the tailpipe emission to zero. Before we introduce you with the EV version, let me tell you something about the diesel version that C30 EV is based on.

volvo c30 ev

The Base Machine

Volvo C30 EV is based on the C30 hatchback which is equipped with diesel or gasoline units. Powering the vehicle was a compact 1.6l engine that generates 100hp or a T5 turbocharged 2.5 liter engine capable to generate 230hp. This model was offered with transmission choices: six speed manual, five speed automatic or a six-speed Powershift dual-clutch unit. The 1.6l diesel engine featured stop or start technology and is the most fuel efficient model which returns a fuel economy of 60mpg. Engine generates 180 Bhp and 400 Nm of torque and it gets a sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds. The other features include a newly designed grille, new air intakes similar to those found on the XC60 crossover and a larger Volvo badge, but the CO2 emission at 200g.

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Volvo C30 Diesel

The facelift

The diesel version has gone through massive changes that have influenced its overall looks and performance considerably. Whereas the C30 diesel version featured three doors but there are four in the facelifted version. The next thing you might ask what’s so special about the facelifted version. Well, in the C30 EV the power has been kept the same to that of diesel version but it takes the CO2 emission from 200g to zero. The vehicle now runs on batteries and has a top speed of 130km/h with its batteries fully charged. It gets a sprint from 0-100km/h in 10.5 seconds and has a rage of 150km on a single charge.

The inspiration

As the environment concerns and awareness is spreading with each passing day, it seems Volvo is influenced by the same to pursue the makeover. But Volvo has ensured that vehicle doesn’t lose its sheen and performance in the electric version and is as safe as the diesel version was.

The difference

factbox

Though C30 EV has considerable changes and updates over the diesel version. However, there are some facts that remain the same. First of all the power remains the same in EV and Diesel versions, but the performance is little affected as the diesel version runs from 0-60mph in 6.5sec and EV in 10.5 secs. The increased sprint time owes to extra weight of 280kg for battery pack, but there is a great edge over the diesel version as the 200g of emission has been reduced to zero. On the other, the EV version features four doors instead of three in the diesel model. Six-speed manual transmission, five-speed automatic or a six-speed Powershift dual-clutch unit of the diesel hatchback is replaced by a nicer version that has no gears and the motor's power is delivered seamlessly, with full power available immediately. Volvo is pledging the car will be making an appearance as a 2012 model.

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Volvo C30 EV