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Volvo's Plug-In Hybrid
The new Volvo ReCharge Concept is a plug-in hybrid with individual electric wheel motors and lithium-polymer batteries that can be recharged via a regular electrical outlet. Recharging allows the car to drive 100km on battery power alone before the car’s four-cylinder Flexifuel engine is needed to power the car and recharge the battery.
When driving on electric power only, operating costs are expected to be 80% lower than a comparable gas-powered car. When driving beyond the 100km battery range, fuel consumption varies from 0 to 5.5 liters per 100km depending on the distance driven using the engine.
An auxiliary power unit steps in when battery charge becomes insufficient for adequate driving performance. Energy generated during braking is transmitted to the battery pack. When the system is developed, traditional wheel brakes will be completely replaced by electrical brakes with minimal energy wasted through friction.
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