Volvo DRIVe - Tyn Lon Garage - Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey
Volvo’s core vavues are Quality, Safety and Environment.
It is their continued passion for care of the environment that has broght about the launch of the DRIVe range of cars. Indeed, Volvo’s commitment is to DRIVe towards ZERO emmissions.
Volvo’s success in this sector can be attributed to the continuing effort of both its’ drivetrain and design team, ensuring each engine and bodystyle is optimised for fuel efficiency and thus CO2 output.
The DRIVe range is now available in nine models, with seven models falling below the 120g/km, of which three produce just 99g/km of CO2. Volvo’s belief is that economy should come without compromise. With this in mind, all of Volvo’s DRIVe models have the same style, dynamics and practicality as the rest of the range.
Volvo’s DRIVe towards Zero commitment will result in an average CO2 emmissions of between 90 and 100 g/km CO2 by the year 2020.
For more information on the DRIVe please click here. www.volvocars.com/uk
Start/Stop function
DRIVe versions of the C30, S40 and V50 have been equipped with Start/Stop function that allows the engine to switch off when the car is at a standstill, for instance while waiting at traffic lights or when stuck in traffic queues.
If the driver puts the gear lever into neutral and releases the clutch while at a standstill, the engine switches off. The next time the driver presses the clutch, the engine starts up again. According to the carmaker, this technology can reduce fuel consumption and thus carbon dioxide emissions by 4-5 per cent in mixed driving conditions. Start/Stop technology is particularly effective in urban traffic, when the saving may be as much as 8 per cent.
Monitored comfort and quick start-up time
While the car is at a standstill and the engine is switched off, some electronic systems such as the air conditioning step down to standby level in order to save fuel. However, the Start/Stop system continuously monitors the comfort level and automatically reactivates the relevant systems if for instance the temperature increases in the passenger compartment.
This monitoring system, which is specific to Volvo cars is made possible owing to an additional small battery that supports the larger battery by providing extra power. Thanks to this extra battery, Volvo’s DRIVe models also feature particularly quick and smooth start-up and the audio system, for instance, remains totally unaffected when the starter motor is activated. What is more, the standard larger battery has been upgraded to handle up to 175,000 Start/Stop cycles.
Charges the batteries via kinetic energy
The C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe 1.6D with Start/Stop also feature a regenerative charge facility. This is a function that charges the battery as soon as the driver releases the accelerator or brakes while a gear is engaged. By harnessing the car’s kinetic energy, the alternator does not have to use diesel fuel as a power source when the battery’s charge level dips. Fuel savings of between 2 and 3 per cent can be achieved with this function.
Volvo also boasts one of the most extensive ranges of alternative fuelled cars such as the bioethanol-powered Volvo C30/S40/V50/V70/S80 Flexifuel models, and the announced V70 2.5FT/Gas in Sweden – for five different fuels: E85, biogas, CNG, hythane (biomethane with low-blend of hydrogen); V50 Tri-Fuel in Italy – for E85, LPG and petrol; and V50 Multi-Fuel in Switzerland – for E85, CNG, biogas and petrol.
The carmaker is a leading researcher into enhanced aerodynamics – through the ownership and use of its own state-of-the-art wind tunnel. It is the only carmaker to own a wind tunnel and through its use has successfully studied how air moves around and underneath the car, helping the carmaker produce more aerodynamic cars and as a result save fuel.
Since 1 January, 2008, Volvo Cars manufacturing units in Europe use only green electricity, from hydropower. Thus it supports development of climate neutral electricity production.
At present, new Volvo cars are designed to be 85% recyclable, and for 95% recoverability. In addition, the Volvo XC60 is RRR-certified (Reuse, Recycling, Recovery) to 95 per cent. This model is Volvo’s first to be type-approved with regard to recycling. In order to secure this approval, the car manufacturer must show how the car is recycled at the end of its life.