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It is a lesson in safety, according to an email sent to the media by Volvo. It says by displaying a crashed Volvo C30 Electric in its stand at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volvo will take a unique, very visual approach to future safety. "We are the first car maker in the world to show what a truly safe electric car looks like after a crash," says Stefan Jacoby, President & CEO of Volvo Cars.
The safety demonstration comes from the fact that the high voltage batteries and cables stay intact after a collision – thus reducing the risk of electrocuting passengers and rescuers. Volvo says even though the car has been subjected to a very demanding 40 mph (64 km/h) off-set frontal test, the key electric components of the car are undamaged.
"This is of utmost importance not only to the people riding in an electric car, but also to for example first responders" says Jacoby. "We note that not everyone that now launches or is in the process of launching electric cars are approaching the safety challenges as we are. But Volvo will never compromise on our stringent safety demands," Jacoby continued.
At a press conference in the Detroit show on Tuesday, Volvo Cars will show the car in detail, thus being the first car manufacturer displaying a crashed electric car an international motor show. The car will remain on display during the show.
The C30 DRIVe Electric has an electric motor that replaces the C30's traditional internal combustion engine and is housed under the hood. An Enerdel lithium-ion battery powers the Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric. The vehicle is designed to be charged with a 110v or 220v standard electric outlet and could easily be charged overnight. It has an estimated range of 94 miles.
Volvo has been quietly plagued by safety recalls lately as covered previously by TorqueNews.com and may be trying to strengthen its safety message:
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