Volvo To Make Diesel Hybrid By 2012

According to reports in Automotive News, Volvo plans to make a series of diesel hybrid vehicles available by 2012 in Europe and the US. The new vehicles will be full-hybrids that can operate either on electric motors or a diesel engine. Each propulsion system would be capable of moving the vehicle and would not rely on the other technology. The new vehicle line is also reported to feature all-wheel drive, and the company also plans to make a plug-in electric version once the hybrid vehicles are on the market.

Volvo has been working on improving the mileage of its non-hybrid diesels and reports fuel economy as high as 76 mpg from its DRIVe line. Volvo displayed these 1.6L, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel models at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The DRIVe line features manual transmission vehicles with longer gear ratios in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears for better fuel economy.

In addition, Volvo made several small modifications to its vehicle design to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. The changes include low-rolling resistance tires, wind deflectors for the front wheels, a covered radiator, and new front and rear designs. In addition to improving fuel economy, the DRIVe line registers carbon emissions of less than 120 g/km.

Volvo will begin production of the C30, S40 and V50 models in November and will have the vehicles at European dealerships by January. According to Volvo, the design modifications increased the price of the car only slightly - between USD$200 and $600.

If the new modifications make it into the planned Volvo diesel hybrid, consumers could see a hybrid model that provides even better fuel economy and lower carbon emissions.

Photo: Volvo