Hybrid Volvo by 2012

Volvo is taking some big steps to go green. Volvo announced that by late 2012 the line-up will include a hybrid model and starting 2009 all models will include start-stop technology. The hybrids will be sold in Europe and the United States.

The start-stop technology, which turns off the engine at idle (like at stoplights,) will be introduced on Volvo’s smaller cars, such as the C30, S40 and V50. Later, start-stop will be spread to the rest of the lineup. This is a feature that is becoming available in the economy cars of Europe, but has yet to be introduced in the U.S.

Diesel hybrids will appear first in the larger sedans, crossovers and SUVs. Volvo’s hybrids will be able to operate on battery power alone at low speeds. Similar to Toyota’s second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive system found on the Highlander, the front wheels are driven by a variant of Volvo’s five-cylinder turbodiesel, while the rear wheels get a separate electric motor.

Although Volvo has only been offering V8 engines for a few years, it is studying whether to stop using them in favor of turbocharged six-cylinder engines on its high-end models.