Volvo develops faster, portable car battery charger

Swedish auto major Volvo has teamed up with Los Angeles-bases Synthesis, Design & Analysis (SDA) to develop a new portable electric charger for car batteries, enabling a full recharge in just 1-1/2 hours.

The new device, which was displayed at the 2013 `Switch to Pure Volvo Pavillion Design Competition', will be ready by September, Volvo said.

The new 22 kW fast-charger is the world's first on-board charger that operates on a three-phase supply and is small enough to be fitted in an electric car, according to Volvo.

A charge that gives a 164km range takes 1.5 hours, according to NEDC certification driving cycle. Against this, an ordinary single-phase 230 V household outlet takes 8-10 hours to fully charge a car battery.

Volvo has also teamed up with Siemens to develop electric cars that are both environment-friendly and user-friendly by enhancing acceleration and customer convenience.

The first electric cars being developed by Volvo's strategic partnership with Siemens will also enable acceleration from 0 to 70 kmph in 5.9 seconds.

The new all-electric cars being developed using unique technology solutions can be integrated throughout the electrification range, Volvo said.

The new car motor developed by Siemens has a peak power output of 89 kW (120 hp) and a torque of 250 Nm, with an acceleration of 0-70 kmph in 5.9 seconds.

"Adding the innovative fast charging solution will radically improve the time and mileage for the daily usage of the car. This will drastically improve the cost of ownership since the customer will now be able to drive many low-cost kilometres per day. A quick 10-minute plug-in adds power for another 20 kilometres of driving," said Lennart Stegland, vice president, Electric Propulsion Systems, Volvo Car Group.

Volvo plans to lease an upgraded demo fleet of 100 Volvo C30 all-electric cars to European leasing customers beginning the European summer this year.

The upgraded Volvo C30 electric fleet will meet the quality and safety standards of all other Volvo cars while the fuel cost will be significantly lower than that for conventional cars, saving up to 2/3 of the cost, depending on fuel prices, Volvo said.

Volvo is also planning a new plug-in Hybrid, the V60, which is capable of reaching a speed of around 155 miles to a gallon using a combined electric and diesel engine.

However, the Hybrid won't be available in the United States until 2014.