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2004 Volvo 3CC Concept

Shanghai Bibendum Show-Goers Get a Charge Out of 3CC

Each year French tire manufacturer Michelin holds the Bibendum Competition, celebrating all things automotive and environmentally friendly. But the Bibendum is much more than a long-distance solar car race or the like. Rather its a forum that allows major manufactures to show off their latest eco-safe production and concept vehicles.

Taking front and center stage at this years show is Volvo, which purpose-designed the electric-powered 3CC concept car to enter the event. Volvo is no stranger to quirky designs, having toted around unorthodox yet innovative safety

Volvos previous concept cars focused on safety, performance and personality. Now the 3CC adds eco-friendliness. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

and performance and concepts for decades. The 3CC, however, takes Volvos ingenuity and creativity to an entirely new level while simultaneously departing from any current clean power conventionality.

Propulsion for this truly unique concept is provided by a powerful, single electric

The 3CC is shorter, narrower and slimmer than most Volvos. Its the smallest Volvo concept yet, a unique proposition. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

motor. Volvo has kept the details and specifications of this powerplant under close guard, but from what is known it is capable of producing a constant and steady stream of 236 lb-ft of torque from 0 to 3,500 rpm. The near silent electric motor has the ability to thrust the 3CC forward to 60 mph in approximately 10 seconds, and then is able to attain an overall top speed of 84 mph.

The 3CCs angled door hinges allow for easy access to the third rear seat. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

But performance figures are not the 3CCs only strong suit, as this Volvo concept raises mobility standards by offering a range of more than 186 miles per recharge. Typically electric powered vehicles have a range no greater than 62 miles, crippling functionality to no more than short traveling distances within a local area. The 3CC would be more than capable of making short trips without hassle.

Twenty percent of the 3CCs additional

Volvos 3CCs electric motor makes a robust 236 lb-ft of torque, yet no emissions are released. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

range can be attributed to regenerative braking, a system similar to that used in gasoline-electric hybrid cars like the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. The integrated generator technology has the ability to harness and store energy during braking in order to recharge the battery for further use. Due to the vehicles light weight, the brakes are not assisted.

Of all the experimental Volvos created over the past few years, the 3CC is one of the smallest the Swedish brands Monitoring and Concept Center located in California has built. At 153.5

The 3CCs sandwich structure allows lithium-ion batteries to be flat-packed within. Volvo states this layout could be used for more conventional fuel sources. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

inches long, 63.9 inches wide and 52 inches high, its the narrowest and shortest vehicle of all. The nearest comparable is Volvos compact S40 sedan, which is a whopping 22.4 inches longer, 5.8 inches wider, and 5.2 inches taller than the 3CC.

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