(December 18, 2009) Volvo Cars is presenting a complete battery electric Volvo C30 with a range of 150 km (94 miles) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The next step forward is to build a test fleet of at least 50 electric Volvo C30s, which will be used in real-life traffic from 2011.

Volvo presented a driveable electric car prototype in September 2009. The C30 being shown in Detroit takes the company one step further in the development process. It features both a complete interior and full instrumentation, as well as enhanced battery packaging.

"The first prototype helped us identify the main technological challenges, such as battery packaging and safety issues. We have addressed these challenges without compromising the C30's cool and fun-to-drive personality. I am very happy with the result. The electric C30 in Detroit is a much more complete product," says Lennart Stegland, Director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.

The next step in 2010 is a factory-built series of test cars. Selected users will drive the test fleet during a two-year trial period in order to provide Volvo Cars with valuable experience. Not just technical but also behavioural. The Swedish Energy Agency is supporting the project by contributing SEK 150 million towards its funding.