The Volvo C30 Electric Car claims third place in top 2010 green cars. It stands out in the current market as it looks like a regular family car at first glance.

Driving the Volvo C30 Electric Car Driving the Volvo C30 Electric Car reminded me of the fact that when we have more electric cars on the road, I will have to remember the Green Cross Code again, and not just listen out for oncoming cars, but look as well. It is so quiet that when I turned on the engine I didn't even know it was on!

It has no gears, but the motor's power is there on tap and is delivered seamlessly. It runs from 0 to 60 mph in under 11 seconds and features a limited top speed of just over 80 mph.

It has a usable range of 93 miles between charges and the 24 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery can be charged in about eight hours via a 220-volt household outlet.

The Volvo C30 Electric Car as A Fleet Car
Expected to be on general sale in 2014, the results of prototype tests are very promising for the Volvo C30.

There are cars in the demo fleet which are equipped with advanced measuring instruments. This is so that Volvo Cars can build up additional information about how parameters such as driving habits and charging patterns can affect the battery and its lifetime in an electric car.

The C30 does not have the expected whine of an electric car, and with exhaust emissions which are zero, it would appear that the only downside is that its range is limited to 75-95 miles in normal driving conditions. Therefore for around town fleet use and trips that fall within the range this car is a promising fleet candidate.

It is expected to be priced at £22,500. If British Government support is forthcoming as we expect then, it could make an interesting choice.

Passengers and Luggage
The Volvo C30 Electric has the same safety, comfort and interior space as the standard Volvo C30. The only difference is that the C30 Electric is powered solely by electricity, so therefore it has absolutely no exhaust emissions on the road.

Security and Safety
The C30 electric has received plenty of care to ensure it is safe and highly capable of passing the high crash standards of Volvo. Also a lot of work has gone into ensuring that if the car is hit that the battery doesn't go up in flames.

Volvo C30 Electric Car at a Glance
- Appearance like a regular family car
- Almost silent engine
- High Volvo safety standards
- 0 to 60 mph in under 11 seconds
- No gears but seamless motor power delivery
- Usable range of 93 miles
- 24 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery which can be charged in about eight hours via a 220-volt household outlet