Volvo applies its safety know-how to the world of EVs

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Volvo applies its safety know-how to the world of EVs

Posted by SharK at 9:42 AM

Volvo C30 BEV prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the course of Volvo's history, the one feature its cars were perhaps best known for - aside from looking like the boxes they came in - was safety. Volvo was among the pioneers in developing safety cages to protect passengers in the event of impact. Now, the Swedish automaker wants to apply the same ideas to protecting the batteries in the electric vehicles. Because of the size and mass of the battery pack along with the high voltage, securing and protecting the pack is critical.

Currently, Volvo is conducting component-level testing of EV components before integrating them into a vehicle. In its planning for future EV products, Volvo is designing a secure capsule for the battery pack and will install it between the rear wheels and out of the crumple zones at the ends of the car. On the plus side, EV's have a potential advantage in not carrying any liquid fuel. The Volvo press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Volvo C30 BEV