Volvo has just completed a number of brutal winter conditions tests with its Volvo C30 Electric vehicle, ensuring that the battery-powered ride runs smoothly in temperatures under -20 degrees Celsius.

Volvo Cars believes that its newly developed C30 Electric must be as robust as all other models from the brand, and in order to achieve that, over 200 different tests have been performed by the C30 Electric.

Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars' Special Vehicles, stated: "We must ensure that the C30 Electric performs as intended when driving, parking and charging in a variety of conditions, from normal to very cold or hot. Northern Sweden is the perfect place to do sub-zero temperature testing."

In order to keep its passengers warm even in the roughest winter conditions, the Volvo C30 Electric benefits an innovative bio-ethanol powered heater, which boasts an independent ethanol tank that can carry up to 14.5 liters of bio-ethanol.

Of course, Volvo C30 Electric's climate unit can also draw its power from the batteries, but in that mode (electric) an immersion heater warms up the coolant in the climate unit.

Volvo C30 Electric winter tests (2011) - picture 1 of 4
Volvo C30 Electric winter tests (2011) - picture 2 of 4
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Volvo C30 Electric winter tests (2011) - picture 4 of 4

Source: Volvo