Volvo just announced that it will unveil its S60L PPHEV (Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) concept car next week at the Beijing Auto Show. Volvo has been selling a diesel plug-in hybrid version of the V60 wagon in Europe, but this is the first time that the auto manufacturer is showcasing its gas-powered plug-in hybrid technology.
Volvo says that the production version of the S60L plug-in hybrid will be powered by a 238 horsepower Drive-E turbocharged gas engine and a 68 horsepower electric motor. The S60L plug-in hybrid also uses the same electrification technology as the V60 Plug-in Hybrid.
“The creation of a powertrain with 238+68 hp and 350+200 Nm of torque by combining a petrol turbo from our new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family and an electric motor proves that the most efficient car can also be the most fun to drive. This is our most technologically advanced powertrain ever. It brings us closer to our vision to offer zero-emission motoring in the future,” says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research and Development at Volvo Cars.
Related: Volvo Boosts Production of the V60 Diesel Plug-in Hybrid as It Sells Out in Europe
The S60L plug-in hybrid can travel up to 31 miles in full electric mode and at the same time its powerful powertrain can accelerate it from 0-62 mph in a quick 5.5 seconds. At the press of a button the S60L plug-in hybrid can also be turned into an all-wheel-drive vehicle, since the electric motor powers the rear wheels. The S60L PPHEV is going to launch in China in early 2015, but the U.S. will likely only get this powertrain in the next-generation XC90 SUV, which is expected to arrive next year.
+ Volvo
