It seems the the automotive industry as a whole is actively researching innovative new technologies. Not only are the Japanese automakers continuing their lead in producing new hybrid technologies and electric vehicles, but Americans, Germans, and even the Swedes are embarking on developing electrified drivetrains.
Although Volvo has recently been sold by Ford to China’s Geely automotive, which will no doubt yield many changes, for now there is no sign that this move will derail Volvo’s testing of a plug-in all-electric variant of its C30 hatchback.
Volvo has been busy testing an all-electric vehicle in Europe while also working to bring a hybrid model to the lineup. Although Volvo has not released many details about the vehicle, the automaker does plan on producing an EV for sale by 2012, although where it will be sold is anyone’s guess at this point.
The existing all-electric C30 vehicle in development can cover about 93 miles on a full charge and has a top speed of 80 miles per hour.
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