Volvo Continues Testing Electric Stretched Limousines on Public Infrastructure
In the bustling city of Gothenburg, Sweden, a camouflaged, fully electric prototype of a Volvo was recently spotted cruising on public streets [1]. Although Volvo has yet to officially comment on the vehicle, the Swedish Transport Administration has confirmed that it is a fully electric model with a maximum engine power of 200 kW/272 hp and an automatic transmission [2].
The prototype, which measures 4,851 millimeters in length, 1,876 millimeters in width, and has a curb weight of 1,800 kilograms, differs from the recently presented electric luxury sedan ES90 [3]. While the ES90 boasts a length of 5,000 mm and a width of 1,940 mm, the prototype appears to be a battery version of the mid-size sedan S60, with a length of 4,778 mm [4].
The new architecture of the prototype enables significantly faster charging, higher efficiency, and overall better performance, similar to that of the ES90 [5]. This aligns with Volvo's commitment to becoming a fully electric brand by 2030 [6]. However, specific powertrain details or range for the electric S60 prototype are not yet available.
Indirectly, Volvo has been working on developing efficient engines with a focus on low fuel consumption and class-leading CO2 emissions [7]. While this ties into the brand's broader electrification strategy, it seems to be more related to combustion or hybrid engines rather than the all-electric S60 specifically.
Design previews of the S60 have emphasized stylish and premium aesthetics, but they do not provide technical specs or release details [8][9]. As Volvo continues to develop its electric vehicles, the electric S60 model is expected to launch sometime before or near the year 2030, although a firm release date has not been confirmed [10].
Interestingly, Volvo is also rumoured to be working on a luxurious minivan as a new electric car [11]. If the electric S60 prototype is indeed a part of Volvo's transition to a fully electric brand, it is expected to be priced significantly below the minimum of 71,990 euros for the larger ES90 [12].
In conclusion, while specific details on the S60 electric prototype are limited, the prototype's presence on the streets of Gothenburg is a clear indication of Volvo's ongoing development of electric vehicles. As more information becomes available, it will likely be announced closer to the production launch date within the next few years.
[1] Electric Vehicles portal report [2] Swedish Transport Administration confirmation [3] Volvo ES90 specifications [4] Volvo S60 dimensions [5] New architecture details [6] Volvo's commitment to becoming fully electric by 2030 [7] Volvo's efficient engine development [8] Volvo S60 design previews [9] Instagram visual posts on Volvo S60 designs [10] Speculative release timeline for the electric S60 [11] Rumours of a luxurious minivan from Volvo [12] Expected lower price for the electric S60 prototype compared to the ES90.
The camouflaged electric Volvo prototype, sighted in Gothenburg, aligns with Volvo's strategy to transition its entire brand towards electric vehicles by 2030, also encompassing the development of the expected electric S60 model. This new electric vehicle, anticipated to be priced below the ES90, is expected to demonstrate advancements in technology, showcasing faster charging, higher efficiency, and improved performance.
