hybrid cars and trucks

An electric motor uses about one-fourth as much energy as an engine running on fossil fuels. This superior energy efficiency suggests that interest in electric cars will increase as fuel prices rise and demands for low CO2 emissions become increasingly stringent. The Volvo C30 shown in Detroit is powered by Lithium-Ion batteries that can be recharged via either a regular household power socket or special roadside charging stations. Charging the battery fully takes about eight hours, If the car is recharged with renewable electricity, CO2 emissions could be almost zero in the well-to-wheel perspective. Top speed with a fully charged battery pack is about 130 km/h (81 mph). Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes less than 11 seconds. The car’s range is up to 150 km (94 miles). This covers the daily transport needs of more than 90 percent of all motorists in Europe.

Kim