Clean Green Cars: Detroit 2010 Preview: Volvo C30 EV evolves for road trials

Detroit 2010 Preview: Volvo C30 EV evolves for road trials

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Volvo, Detroit Auto Show

Volvo C30 BEV prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo has built versions of the C30 with efficient diesel engines, plug-in hybrid powerplants, flex-fuel ICEs, and pure electric drivetrains. It’s the all-electric version that will get some extra attention at the Detroit Auto Show next month with Volvo’s announcement today that it will build at least 50 versions of the all-electric C30 hatchback. The cars will be made next year and are due to start real-world tests in 2011.

Volvo brought a driveable prototype version of the C30 BEV to Frankfurt earlier this year, but the machine that will be shown in Detroit is a more evolved iteration. Volvo says that the NAIAS unit has a complete interior, full instrumentation, and enhanced battery packaging.

Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles, said in a statement, “The first prototype helped us identify the main technological challenges, such as battery packaging and safety issues. We have addressed these challenges without compromising the C30’s cool and fun-to-drive personality. I am very happy with the result. The electric C30 in Detroit is a much more complete product.”

Gallery: Battery electric Volvo C30