I have a beef with today’s hybrids and electric vehicles. Its their batteries that get me. One does not even have to own a hybrid. Instead, simply observe how your cell phone acts throughout the years – the charge capacity is getting lower and lower, cold weather doesn’t help at all and neither do the summer days. Now, imagine that in a car – driving along with 2 or more “bars” on the dials, no worry in the world, and then it all suddenly goes bust. Nerve wrecking.
Happily however, Volvo are aware of the situation, aware of my frustration obviously. That’s why with the C30 Electric, the company is working towards providing relief to the dying batteries around the world. Essentially they are aiming at a vehicle that is available and drivable at all conditions – scorching hot, arctic cold or lukewarm if you will.
For the former two conditions, one needs a cabin that comes with climate-control. It would be plainly silly to use the precious battery charge on heating or cooling the insides of the car. That’s why the C30 Electric is is equipped with a sophisticated climate system that can be activated both during charging and driving. It works for the passengers, it works for the drivetrain and most importantly, it works for the battery pack.
Whilst charging a C30 Electric (people tend to do it at home with a standard power socket), you can precondition it. Let’s say that the outside temperature is -19 degrees Celsius: no worries. Even if not plugged in, the car’s automatic battery heating will kick in to prevent the charge from going bust. Otherwise, if plugged in, an immersion heater (6 kW) uses power from the wall socket for warming up the coolant in the climate system.
So, should you ever decide on buying an electric car and the seasons are a bit extreme at your place, why not get a Volvo C30? It’s like literally having someone to warm up the bed for you.
Source: Volvo
It would seem that Volvo is now turning to efficiency after mastering the art of safety. Preparing for the Geneva Motor Show, the company has innovated (also downsized) a great deal of its technological arsenal. Now, some of the economy figures coming from the Volvo C30, V60 Plug-in hybrid and even the latest Volvo V40 are stunning. The cars will still be safe though.
Volvo has announced the new C30 with series-connected Range Extender. The car is based on a C30 Electric with a three-cylinder combustion engine producing 60HP (45 kW) installed under the rear load compartment floor. The car also has a 40 litre fuel tank.
Volvo has just completed a number of brutal winter conditions tests with its Volvo C30 Electric vehicle, ensuring that the battery-powered ride runs smoothly in temperatures under -20 degrees Celsius. 
Volvo announced that they are currently working on a 5-door C30 model, which will be released in late 2011 or early 2012 to compete against the dominator on the market – VW Golf.
Volvo Cars and Goteborg Energi Company have signed an agreement letter of cooperation in the field of electrical vehicles, according to which, the Swedish automaker will provide the energy company with ten Volvo C30 Battery Electric vehicles during this autumn. 
Polestar Volvo C30 Performance Concept Prototype is the first road-legal vehicle project developed completely by the Volvo’s championship-winning Swedish Touring Car Team – Polestar Performance. 
The Germany based, Volvo tuner – HEICO SPORTIV has released its latest refinement programme, which improves even more the already sparkling 2010 Volvo C30 Facelift. 
The new Volvo C30 and C70 were showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year. Both models will be available at local dealers in January 2010. The prices start from £14,495 for Volvo C30 1.6S and £25,995 for C70 2.0D S. 
Having good environmental properties doesn’t mean a car has to be boring. Quite the contrary: with R-Design, the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe can be styled just as expressively and exclusively as the other model variants.