Volvo announced today that it started testing the electric C30 in winter and cold weather conditions. The new tests are meant to ensure that the Volvo C30's electric batteries can run in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. Volvo is testing the C30 electric in Northern Sweden looking for flaws in its various propulsion and interior heating systems.
The electric Volvo C30 is equipped with three climate systems: one for maintaining the cabin temperature, one for cooling / warming the battery and a water cooled system for the motor and power electronics.
To save battery power, the Volvo C30 electric uses a bio-ethanol powered heater for the cabin
and passenger comfort. The C30's ethanol tank can hold up to 14.5 liters of bio-ethanol for this purpose. Volvo says that if electricity is not needed, it can also be diverted towards heating the cabin.
"We must ensure that the C30 Electric performs as intended when driving, parking and charging in a variety of conditions, from normal to very cold or hot. Northern Sweden is the perfect place to do sub-zero temperature testing," says Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars' Special Vehicles.
