Volvo Begins Production of the V60,the World’s First Diesel Plug-In Hybrid

Volvo has begun production of the first diesel plug-in hybrid in the world, the V60.

The V60 diesel plug-in hybrid features a five-cylinder 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine, which offers 215 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an electric motor, with 70 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor in connected to an 11.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and according to the company, the V60 is able to reach 32 miles on all-electric power, with a single charge.

Volvo said that the battery can be fully charged in 3.5 hours on a 16-amp line. The driver has the possibility to choose between three drive modes: the Pure mode, which relies on the electric motor, the Hybrid mode, which uses the diesel mill and the electric motor, and the Power mode, which uses the full 285 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque. In Power mode the V60 can reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

“Our plug-in hybrid has received considerable attention since it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011. Now we’re taking the next step by presenting the production model, which is graced with a distinctive profile featuring a spectacular silver colour, an exclusive interior and generous standard equipment,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The price for the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid varies between £45,000 and £50,000 in the UK and it will be available in just one color, the Electric Silver.