Volvo ReCharge concept
Hybrids are all fine and well, but as part of the charging process petrol power is needed. Plug-in hybrids offer an interesting solution, allowing owners to charge up their cars at home by plugging them in. That's exactly what
Volvo is showing at Frankfurt with its ReCharge concept, a C30 Flexifuel (bio-ethanol) hybrid that can run on pure battery power for approximately 62 miles. All that means your typical commute can be undertaken without there ever being the need to fuel up.
Volvo is claiming that such a system reduces operating costs by around 80%, but the real benefit is a reduction in emissions of about 66% compared to regular hybrids, today.
Drive further than the range of the batteries and the ReCharge works like a conventional hybrid. Over 150km (93miles) the ReCharge would only require 2.8 litres of bio-ethanol, giving it an effective mpg figure of 124mpg. You'd need to be sure your home electricity supply was green though.
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