The Volvo C30 electric, tested at 20 degrees below zero

Volvo continues the performance and reliability tests of the electric version of the C30 in the cold landscape of northern Sweden, with more than 200 different tests aimed mainly at verifying the operation of the entire electrical system in extreme cold conditions.

One of the most debated aspects of current battery technology is how intense cold or heat affects it. In the current C30 tests, the Swedish brand is evaluating three different ways of maintaining the temperature of the batteries, the cabin and the electrical system, respectively.

To prevent the cabin heating from draining the batteries, Volvo is testing a heating system powered by a bio-ethanol engine, stored in a small 14.5-litre tank. Volvo reports that the heating could draw electricity from the batteries, but that range would be penalised, although the driver would have the option to use one system or the other.

While the tests continue, Volvo has revealed that the electric C30 will be available only through a leasing scheme, at a not-so-cheap 1,500 euros per month.

Source | Volvo Cars