2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: Volvo ReCharge Concept

• Looks like: A Volvo C30 with green wheels
• Defining characteristics: 66% fewer emissions than today’s best hybrid car
• Ridiculous features: Did we mention the green wheels?   
• Chance of being mass-produced: We’d like to see a plug-in hybrid like this as much as the next guy, but there are still lots of issues to be ironed out first. Mainly how much people are willing to spend on very pricey technology.

We can see it now. The horsepower wars that brought us a 300-hp Mustang GT and a new wave of Hemi engines are over. The new battle will be waged in mpg — not hp. We’re probably stating the obvious at this point, but with each auto show that passes we’re seeing more and more attention paid to how technology can increase mileage and decrease emissions. Now that we can go as fast as we can possibly handle anyway, we might as well save some money at the pump.

That’s Volvo’s aim with the ReCharge concept. Based on the C30 hatchback that just went on sale in the U.S., the California-developed ReCharge teams a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with four-electrical motors, one at each wheel. This gives the C30 some gusto: It hits 62 mph in 9 seconds, which puts it about a half-second ahead of a Dodge Caliber R/T. That’s not Hemi speed, but Volvo claims on a full charge, on a 93-mile trip the ReCharge will return 124 mpg.

The ReCharge uses the gasoline powered engine to power a generator which then sends electric power to the wheels. That generator can also be powered via a battery like in most hybrid cars. However, this battery can be charged using a standard electrical plug and takes just three hours to be fully charged fully. While driving, owners can push a button to change where the power is coming from – the battery or gas engine — to maximize efficiency, using the gasoline powered engine on the highway while saving the battery charge for a congested city, kind of like our commutes. 

The only question we’re left with is, is this real? The press release talks about the ReCharge as if it has been tested and is ready for sale, but it doesn’t say whether it’s is a real vehicle or a hypothetical one like the Chevy Volt. If it is close to reality, a company like Volvo — with its particular demographic — may be better suited to sell a plug-in hybrid in the real world than Chevy or Ford.

Comments

[LM]

Bring to market at $30k and they will have a WINNER. Green wheels and all. Hybrid-eco-greenies want to be noticed that they're saving the world.

[Dave T.]

I think at $35 and you still have a winner. Over 5 years you'd save about $8K in gas. roughly. the 2.0 versions starts at $26K.

[kent beuchert]

This Volvo is a hypothetical car. The Chevy and Opel VOLTs are anything but hypothetical - they are schedule for production and launch during 2010. If you have any silly skepticism about the VOLT, I would direct your attention to the www.gm-volt.com , and unofficial VOLT
website with unparalleled access to everyone working onthe project, including members of the two competing battery companies.
With a 60 miles range, the cars are going to be pricey. Statistics show that 60 mile ranges are not the best economics for a plug-in - 40 miles is much closer to ideal,
although there are obviously individual differences concerning where the range/price
tradeoff show fall. This car will be slower than the VOLT, in keeping with Volvo tradition, and is considerably uglier, also in keeping with Volvo tradition. The idea that only treehugging plain Jane types who are attracted to similar plain Jane cars should have been dispelled once and for all by the enthusiasm for the Tesla and Lightning. I see that there are still gas hogs out there who don't understand that styling has nothing to do with the mode of propulsion. But you will. I guarantee that. Styling always sells.

[Dave T.]

Kent,
How do you know this is hypothetical? I'm staring at thousands of words about it and nowhere from Volvo does it say it is hypothetical or if it has been tested on roads. The volt is supposedly just beginning to be tested on roads.

[Dan]

Kent-

The target market for this vehicle already buys alot of Volvos. I guarantee they don't find it ugly, and that's all that matters.

[FO]

ugly? The Prius is a head-turner?

I think its pretty cool looking. If it really does get real-world, 124 mpg, Volvo wont be able to make enough of them, even if they are over $30K. Toyota has sold hundreds of thousands of Prius ses that can easily reach the upper 20,000's. But this one will get three times as good mpg. Plus it will probably have a better interior.

[Graham]

"Now that we can go as fast as we can possibly handle anyway, we might as well save some money at the pump."

I agree, we've generally got enough power now, so let's see what can be done to improve engine performance in ways other than just hp. Almost nobody ever uses, or is even capable of using, the near 300 hp levels which are now available in pretty ordinary vehicles (which I guess is a major reason we now need the electronic nannies).

[Simon]

O.k. let's begin with the C-30. Yes, I must admit that I was smitten by the regular petrol version. With it's clean lines,10-speaker Dyn-Audio system that featured a Bang and Olafson CD Player and a smile on my face. I don't care if the platform is based on a Ford Focus,because this is no longer a Ford Product!

However,after seeing the cord hanging out of it's bumper was like looking at my Hoover Hepta-Filter Vacuum Cleaner . I wonder to myself...Why on earth would you design a $30k plug in hybrid? And who will buy it?

One name comes to mind...Leonardo Di Caprio. I could see that this will be his next car when he sells his Prius Collection.

[usjustice]

www.pmlflightlink.com copied original wheel motor of US patent and manufactured in China for so many years ago, if you check their Hi-Pa drive within ep.espacenet.com has no patent. Right now, they copied once again at SAE 2004 expo is against US patents.
We contacted with Volvo and Ford since their board of directors meeting on May 12, 2004 they played double-hand strategy, try to pull us down to chapter 7, 7&11, and 13, then they can buy out on liquidation.
Pray for God's righteousness, fairness and justice to help G1 Technology Inc fighting with old foxes and blood suckers.

[usjustice]

www.pmlflightlink.com copied original wheel motor of US patent and manufactured in China for so many years ago, if you check their Hi-Pa drive within ep.espacenet.com has no patent. Right now, they copied once again at SAE 2004 expo is against US patents.
We contacted with Volvo and Ford since their board of directors meeting on May 12, 2004 they played double-hand strategy, try to pull us down to chapter 7, 7&11, and 13, then they can buy out on liquidation.
Pray for God's righteousness, fairness and justice to help G1 Technology Inc fighting with old foxes and blood suckers.

[usjustice]

www.pmlflightlink.com copied original wheel motor of US patent and manufactured in China for so many years ago, if you check their Hi-Pa drive within ep.espacenet.com has no patent. Right now, they copied once again at SAE 2004 expo is against US patents.
We contacted with Volvo and Ford since their board of directors meeting on May 12, 2004 they played double-hand strategy, try to pull us down to chapter 7, 7&11, and 13, then they can buy out on liquidation.
Pray for God's righteousness, fairness and justice to help G1 Technology Inc fighting with old foxes and blood suckers.

[usjustice]

www.pmlflightlink.com copied original wheel motor of US patent and manufactured in China for so many years ago, if you check their Hi-Pa drive within ep.espacenet.com has no patent. Right now, they copied once again at SAE 2004 expo is against US patents.
We contacted with Volvo and Ford since their board of directors meeting on May 12, 2004 they played double-hand strategy, try to pull us down to chapter 7, 7&11, and 13, then they can buy out on liquidation.
Pray for God's righteousness, fairness and justice to help G1 Technology Inc fighting with old foxes and blood suckers.