The new 22kW fast-charger fitted to the latest Volvo C30 Electric reduces the vehicle’s full charge time to just 90 minutes.
The C30 Electric uses the world’s first on-board charger that operates on a three-phase power supply and is small enough to be fitted in an electric car.
Previously, the charge time using an ordinary single 230-volt household outlet would take 8-10 hours, depending on the current available.
The C30 Electric uses a new Siemens Motor with a peak power output of 89kW and 250Nm of torque, allowing the compact coupe to accelerate from 0-70km/h in 5.9 seconds.
Volvo claims a range of 164km for the C30 Electric according to European standards.
Volvo Car Group vice president electric propulsion systems Lennart Stegland believes the new technology will reduce the cost of ownership, as well as increase the flexibility of electric cars.
“Adding the innovative fast-charging solution will radically improve the time and mileage for the daily usage of the car,” Stegland said.
“This will drastically improve the cost of ownership since the customer will now be able to drive many low-cost kilometres per day. Even a quick 10-minute plug-in adds power for another 20km of driving.”
Siemens is the principle supplier of electric propulsion powertrain components for Volvo’s forthcoming Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) that enables electrification solutions at all levels – from various hybrid systems to pure electric drive, without compromising interior or load space.
From June, European customers will drive and evaluate the upgraded demo fleet of 100 fully electric Volvo C30 vehicles.
