Volvo S60L Plug-In Hybrid Concept to debut at Beijing show
Volvo will unveil the S60L Plug-In Hybrid Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, pairing a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for the Chinese market.
Volvo has confirmed it will present the S60L Plug-In Hybrid Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, opening 20 April. The concept is based on the long-wheelbase S60L saloon, tailored specifically for the Chinese market, and combines a petrol engine with electric drive.
The S60L Plug-In Hybrid Concept uses Volvo's Drive-E 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing 238hp and 350Nm, driving the front wheels. A rear-mounted electric motor adds 68hp and 200Nm, powered by an 11.2kWh lithium-ion battery installed beneath the load compartment.
Volvo says the battery can be fully charged in around four to four and a half hours, depending on the amperage. In pure electric mode, the S60L can cover up to 80km. The company claims combined fuel consumption of 2.0 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 50g/km in hybrid mode, with a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds when both power sources are engaged.
Technical details and charging
The S60L Plug-In Hybrid Concept features three selectable drive modes: Pure (electric only), Hybrid (combined petrol and electric) and Power (maximum output from both systems). The battery can be recharged from a domestic socket, with charging times varying between four and 4.5 hours depending on whether a 16A or 10A supply is used.
Focus on China and plug-in hybrid growth
The S60L Plug-In Hybrid Concept is designed for China, reflecting local demand for new energy vehicles and government incentives for plug-in hybrids. Volvo has previously launched the S60L in China as a long-wheelbase saloon. The company’s move follows a wider industry trend, with rivals such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz also developing plug-in hybrid saloons for the Chinese market.
Volvo has not confirmed production plans for the S60L Plug-In Hybrid Concept, but the unveiling signals intent to expand its electrified range in China. For more on Volvo’s plug-in hybrid strategy, seeVolvo previews XC40 concept with plug-in hybrid powertrain.
