Volvo C30 BEV Electric Car Review

I have just been honored with the opportunity to test drive Volvo’s new electrical car, simply referred to as the C30 BEV. It’s equipped with a prototype battery and shows off what you can come to expect when it’s first available to consumers in 2014. Volvo claims that it’s just a work in progress, but as an early prototype, it’s extremely full-featured. All of the four seats are there and you can jump in to see a normal appearing C30. What this means is that it’s cramped but reeks with style. I know I’m not the only one who’s into the mostly useless but super cool floating center consol.

The dials from the original C30 Electric Car have been changed in favor of a large speedo with a battery charger to boot. The tacho has been removed in favor of a dial showcasing just the amount of energy that’s being supplied and being consumed from the lithium ion battery. Volvo is also working on a set of batteries that would be where the fuel tank would normally sit. The C30 BEV has a battery in the engine bay right next to the Bruca electric motor.

But it did appear to be a bit large and not very weighty, as I tested this car out. One thing that stands out to me about the C30DEE is the lack of sound. This car is by far quieter than any other electric car I have ever driven. When testing it out on a hill the Volvo speeds up easily, with the same kind of force that you would expect from a gasoline model. The car we drove was completely charged and it’s been said that the performance of the car lowers as the battery is depleted. Regardless though, Volvo has said that the range of this car will be between 70 to 100 miles.

When you press down on the gas, while going uphill, there is some resistance that occurs with the front wheels. Volvo promises that this will not actually be an issue when this car is commercially released. I do have to say that the most intriguing part of the C30 BEV is the controls that allow you to change from the power setting over to a more laid-back coasting setting. Also the regenerative braking is amazing, with little similarities to the horrible breaking of some electric cars. This was a very smooth driving experience, and I have to say I enjoyed every second of it. When 2014 rolls around, I can say that I will be one of the first individuals in line to purchase this car.