Volvo's C30 Electric: A Green Commuter Set to Electrify the Chinese Market
Marking an important milestone in China's journey towards cleaner, greener transportation, Volvo Cars China, in partnership with Shanghai International Automobile City Group, has launched a fleet demonstration programme that introduces two Volvo C30 Electric cars into the Jiading community in Shanghai. This move represents the pioneering efforts of an international automaker to understand the implications of operating electric vehicles (EVs) in the Chinese landscape.
Volvo C30 Electric: Taking a Bold Leap into China's Electrification Drive
This deployment of the Volvo C30 Electric cars in China signifies a serious commitment by Volvo Cars China to contribute to the country's electrification strategy. Chairman Freeman Shen expressed his pride in bringing Volvo's first EVs to China, underlining the brand's dedication to playing an integral role in reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels and long-term CO2 emissions from transportation.
The Purpose: Understanding the Electric Future
These field trials aim to garner a deeper understanding of customer behaviour and expectations in the real-world operation of electric vehicles. Jiading district, an electric vehicle demonstration zone since January 2011, offers an ideal setting for such trials, with a burgeoning infrastructure of over 13,000 charging stations and 15 battery swapping stations set to support the daily use of EVs.
A Truly International Presence
The Volvo C30 Electric stands out as the first EV from an international brand presented and involved in various activities within the demonstration zone, fulfilling the expectations of the Ministry of Science and Technology and local governments. Deputy Governor of Jiading District, Ni Yaomin, anticipates that this endeavour will foster cooperation and communication between international and domestic automakers on new energy vehicles.
Production and Global Deployment
Production of the Volvo C30 Electric commenced in June 2011, representing a key pillar of Volvo Car Corporation's ambitious electrification strategy. The EV is manufactured in Volvo's Ghent plant in Belgium, finalised in the Torslanda plant in Sweden, and then leased to customers in selected European countries. The EV has also been operating in demonstration programmes in Sweden and Belgium, with China now joining the list. There are plans to introduce additional Volvo C30 Electric cars into more demonstration programmes, including the one in Jiading.
Performance Parameters
The Volvo C30 Electric is powered by a 20 kWh battery that can be recharged from a regular household power socket. A full recharge takes approximately 7 hours, offering an operating range of up to 150 kilometres per full charge. The EV boasts a top speed of 130 km/h, with the 0-50 km/h acceleration sprint completed in a mere four seconds.
Charting the Course for a Greener Future
The introduction of the Volvo C30 Electric into China's EV demonstration zone marks an exciting chapter in the country's journey towards sustainable transportation. As the country continues to develop its electric vehicle infrastructure, initiatives like these by international automakers offer valuable insights into the practical considerations of operating electric vehicles, potentially shaping the future of electric mobility, not just in China, but across the globe.
