Volvo to bring out iPhone app for future V60 plug-in hybrid
updated 11:55 am EST, Mon February 21, 2011
Volvo to bring out smartphone app for V60 hybrid
Volvo will show off its upcoming V60 plug-in hybrid due out in 2012 at the Geneva show. The diesel-engined station wagon will also sport an electric motor in its so-called Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD). To help users manage recharging for the ERAD system, an iPhone app will be launched alongside the car.
Not much is known about the so-called smartphone app, though the image in the video resembles an iPhone. It will allow users to pre-condition the interior depending on ambient temperature and remind them when they forget to plug it in. Other features will be available through the app as well.
Volvo has partnered up with European energy company Vattenfall on the electric energy side, with the company providing specially-priced contracts for owners of the car. Users will have the option of selecting three drive modes, with Pure, Hybrid and Power. The first is electric-only and provides a maximum range of 30 miles (50km), the Hybrid mode making use of both the electric motor and diesel engine as efficiently as possible and the Power mode will tie in both for ultimate performance at the cost of economy.
The total range is as much as nearly 750 miles, while 0-62mph acceleration in Power mode is said to be 6.9 seconds.
Recharging the battery is done with a regular power socket (230V/6A, 10A or 16A) at home or in a parking lot. A full 10A charge takes 4.5 hours, 3 hours at 16A and 7.5 hours when using 6A.
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Joined: Jan 2000
Waiting for Volvo
I want to see a plug-in hybrid XC90 next year.