The Volvo V60 Bi-Fuel Sport stands beside the Volvo V70 Bi-Fuel at NGV 2013.
The Volvo V 60 Bi-Fuel made its world premiere in conjunction with NGVA Europe’s automotive gas fair, NGV 2013, in Gothenburg this week. The V60, unveiled as part of the first day’s study tour, is expected to go on sale in October this year, in Sweden. The Bi-fuel version is certified to meet Sweden’s new stricter environmental regulations which commenced start of 2013, qualifying the vehicle for significant tax concessions.
The new Volvo V60 Bi-Fuel car runs on either compressed natural gas (CNG)/biomethane or petrol (gasoline). With a 213 horsepower 1984 cc engine that can generate torque of 300 Nm, the Bi-Fuel system offers a total driving range of 1,120 kilometers and when renewable CNG (biomethane) is used as a vehicle fuel, greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced compared to petrol.
Optionally the car can be fitted with a larger CNG tank to enable an extended range of 1200 km. Lightweight composite gas cylinders are located under the car’s luggage compartment.
The Swedish Road Administration has ruled that if a car is run on pure biogas the carbon footprint of the car is reduced by 72%.
Meeting the new 2013 regulations qualifies the vehicle owner to benefit from tax incentives. For those who choose a Volvo V60 Bi-Fuel as a company car, the taxable benefit value is reduced by 40% or a maximum of SEK 16,000 (USD 2,470). Under a new proposal put forth by the Swedish government, this benefit will be extended through 2016. Qualified customers will also be exempt from vehicle tax for five years.
The vehicle’s 5-cylinder turbocharged engine, reinforced and adapted specifically to run on natural gas at the Volvo Car Group’s engine plant in Skövde 150 km northeast of Gothenburg, is then fitted with a Westport-Sweden gas fuel management system at Volvo’s Torslande plant in Gothenburg.
“Demand for natural gas vehicles in Sweden is expected to increase in response to the pending extension of the Government of Sweden alternative fuel tax incentive program,” said Ian Scott, Executive Vice President, Westport. “The launch of this product provides a new option for corporate and municipal fleet customers.”
Westport and Volvo Car Group are currently in discussions to expand the Volvo V60 Bi-Fuel car into other markets.
The new V60 will expand Volvo Car Group’s Bi-Fuel product line as a complement to the Volvo V70 Bi-Fuel launched in 2009.
(Source: Volvo and Westport)
