Volvo has developed a faster solution that cuts charging time to 1.5 hours in the updated version of its C30 Electric, dubbed Generation II. The Swedish carmaker says the new 22 kW fast-charger fitted to the C30 Electric is the world’s first on-board charger that operates on a three-phase supply and is small enough to be mounted on an electric car.
Using a three-phase outlet, a full charge takes 1.5 hours, enough to provide the C30 Electric with a total range of 164 kilometers (102 miles), according to the NEDC certification driving cycle. Furthermore, a quick 10-minute plug-in adds power for another 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of driving.
By comparison, an ordinary single-phase 230 V household outlet charges the C30’s batteries in 8-10 hours, depending on the available current. This addition will be fitted to an upgraded demo fleet of 100 Volvo C30 fully electric cars that will be driven and evaluated by European lease customers beginning summer 2013.
The C30 Electric Generation II will also be fitted with a new Siemens motor that develops a peak power output of 89 kW (120 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. The new motor enables Volvo’s EV to accelerate from 0 to 70 km/h (43 mph) in 5.9 seconds. The upgraded Volvo C30 Electric is the first result of the Scandinavian company’s strategic partnership with Siemens. Formed in August 2011, the agreement is aimed at leading the development of electrified cars.
While it is true that full charging of an EV in 1.5 hours is an encouraging result, one couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if the battery ran dry in the middle of the day? 1.5 hours is still a lot of time to wait when you really need your car, isn’t it?
By Dan Mihalascu
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