Volvo has announced it will sell plug-in hybrids by 2012 with CO2 emissions as low as an incredible 50g/km.
The firm has already teamed up with a Swedish energy company that has been working on hybrids since 2007.Volvo favours the green technology over a full electric vehicle because, thanks to a small petrol or diesel-powered generator, they are not compromised by their plug-in electric range.
Like the Chevrolet Volt, the new Volvo's average commute is expected to be achieved without burning any fuel, relying solely on an overnight charge. Once the charge runs the generators kicks in. This increases the range and makes the car a much more practical proposition.
To make its plug-in hybrid even cleaner, Volvo has developed a system that relies on a diesel generator that can run the next-generation renewable synthetic diesel that can be made without refining crude oil.
For short urban driving the firm says it will develop a full electric car and is working hard to reduce the cost of batteries while improving their performance.
This summer the firm will unveil three Volvo V70 plug-in hybrid prototypes that will demonstrate the new technology.
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