+ Click to Enlarge WINGS JUST FLIGHT OF FANCY? Volvo put a lot of thought into its high-tech 3CC battery car but it seems nobody considered where it was going to park.

October 19, 2004
By Les Stephenson

Volvo had the equivalent of a high-speed milk float powered by giant versions of cellphone batteries as part of its display at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai, China.

The Volvo 3CC is very much a prototype – though its shape shouts Volvo - but the space taken by its battery packs in a sandwich-style floor could also house an engine powered by a petrol, diesel, biogas or hybrid electric engine.

"With the Volvo 3CC, Volvo is pioneering a way of looking at mobility so future generations can enjoy the same freedoms the car has given my generation," said Lars Erik Lundin, vice-president and general manager of the company's Monitoring and Concept Centre.

"We believe it is necessary to show new ways to reduce pollution and congestion."

Sizewise, the 3CC is very much a small car – though it has room for three adults (or two adults and two children) in a 2+1 seating configuration that re-writes the rule books on how rear passengers should travel.

"This three-seat configuration provides a unique experience with regards to the occupants' communication, unprecedented rear occupant's comfort and all-around visibility for all passengers," Volvo says.

The car is only 3.9m long and 1.32m high but, at 1.62m wide, has much the same shoulder room as a normal, mid-sized family car.

Volvo chose pure battery power as the means of locomotion. The batteries are lithium-ion cells (yes, the same as in your laptop computer, but mega-bigger) with a potential range of 300km, a governed top speed of 135km/h and a 0-100km/h launch time of bout 10 seconds.

Exhaust emissions are zero – though, of course, lurking in the background are the pollution caused by electrical power generation and, eventually, disposal of the battery packs.

Volvo says about 20 percent of any normal journey will be used in recharging the batteries through regenerative braking; essentially, the motor reverses itself to become a dynamo driven by the car's momentum that feeds direct current to a charging unit.

So effective is the system that no power assistance is needed for the brakes.

'Emotional value'

The 3CC was created, the company says, to encourage drivers of the future to be attracted to, rather than repelled by, electric power under the bonnet.

"We want to connect in a positive way with consumers so that they say 'I want to be seen in this car'," Lundin said.

"We want to add emotional value to people's lives by offering an environmentally compatible car that appeals to all the senses, one that people will want to drive."

The Volvo 3CC was created by the designers, engineers and businesspeople at the concept centre in California.

Their mandate was "to create a 'future-proof concept' that would enhance sustainable mobility – a car not only fuel-efficient, versatile, comfortable and safe but also exciting to drive and to look at".

Going by the pictures with this story, they have succeeded. One would look great wearing my garage at night – except I'd have to have it widened to accommodate the upward-swinging, single-hinged doors.

"Despite its compactness, the Volvo 3CC has been designed to feel spacious through organic lines and light cabin colours," Volvo says.

"A low-profile A-pillar creates a sense of openness, helped by three transparent roof panels. As the doors open, a floating fascia panel and unique sliding seats make entry and exit easier – and the driver's foot pedals can be adjusted to suit individuals."

Innovative suspension

Volvo has given the 3CC a steel space frame and composite sandwich floor panels for safety and lightness. The outer body is a bonded, one-piece carbon-fibre shell.

"The resulting chassis rigidity and its innovative suspension give the car great handling characteristics," Volvo claims.

Wind-tunnel tests resulted in an aerodynamic efficiency 30% better than the new S40 sedan and the torque-to-weight ratio is close to that of the powerful Volvo T5.

The car is front-wheel driven and rides on double wishbones on all four corners though the front units include horizontal shock-absorbers to maintain a low bonnet line. The rear shocks are vertical.

Michelin Pilot Sport 215/45 ZR18 tyres, normally only found on high-performance cars, have been fitted to the prototype.

There's more high-tech stuff in the cabin: proximity sensors replace some of the conventional switches – just pointing a finger to within five millimetres will adjust lights, air-conditioning and the audio system.

"Rather than refining existing cars and technologies for new markets, Volvo has listened, questioned and speculated about the future and developed this concept," said Lex Kerssemakers, Volvo's senior vice-president for brand, product and business strategy.

"We think the Volvo 3CC opens a door into that future and we will develop the concept further."