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Fast-charge system for electric Volvo C30

Volvo has updated its C30 Electric - though it's still not available here.

The collaboration between Volvo and Siemens has resulted in a brand new 22kW fast-charger that allows the new generation C30 Electric to complete a full charge in just an hour and a half.

The C30 Electric is the first car ever to be fitted with a fast-charger that can be operated on a three-phase supply, providing a theoretical 160-kilometre range in 90 minutes when connected to a three-phase outlet.  In comparison, a traditional 230V single-phase household socket would take between eight and ten hours to fully charge the C30 Electric's battery.

Lennart Stegland, Vice President of Electric Propulsion Systems for the Volvo Car Group says, "Even a quick 10-minute plug-in adds power for another 12 miles of driving.  We're proud to have developed this unique solution."

Volvo and Siemens are also looking for ways to speed up Volvo's electric vehicles.  The refreshed C30 Electric features a brand new Siemens motor with a peak output of 120hp and a torque figure of 250Nm.  The new model accelerates from 0-72km/h in under six seconds (no 0-100km/h time is given).

The new C30 Electric will initially be limited to just 100 examples and will only be available to lease in mainland Europe.

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Published on April 25, 2013