Volvo have joined forces with Siemens to develop new electric car technology.
Announcing the link-up with global electonics and electrical engineering conglomerate Siemens at a press conference in Munich, Volvo President and CEO Stefan Jacoby said of his company's new partner, "Their world-leading knowledge and experience will bring the technology in our electric cars up to an entirely new level. We are moving ahead quickly in this area. Our aim is to be first with the latest technology within electrification. The partnership reinforces our aim to pursue the fast-growing market for electric cars."
Volvo have already announced that they will start selling a plug-in hybrid version of its V60 model next year, and plan to begin limited-scale production of an electric Volvo C30 before the end of this year.
As part of the partnership between the two companies, in late 2012 Siemens will take delivery of around 200 vehicles from Volvo, which it will fit with its own electric motors before undergoing real-life testing and validation. Volvo intends to use technology developed under the link up with Siemens to power future generations of electric vehicles.
Powertrain, battery management, and charging technology are regarded as keys to the future of electric-powered motoring, and Siemens have developed an electric motor for the partnership with Volvo which generates a maximum 108kw, equivalent to 145bhp from a conventional engine. Volvo and Siemens intend to work together to develop the inverter to meet automotive safety legislation, and Siemens are aiming to develop fast and efficient charging capabilities for the motor.
Siemens Industry Sector CEO Siegfried Russwurm explained his company's ambitions to see its technology eventually make it into production cars saying, "It is our long-term goal to establish Siemens as a global system provider both inside and outside of electric vehicles. We see ourselves as a comprehensive electric mobility pioneer. Cooperation with Volvo is an important milestone in the development of top-quality components and systems for electric cars subsequently intended for series production."
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