Volvo ECC

File:VolvoECC (cropped).jpg

Image:VolvoECC.jpg

The Volvo ECC (Environmental Concept Car) was an executive luxury concept car built by Volvo in 1992.{{cite web |language=en |url=http://ranwhenparked.net/2014/09/02/1992-paris-motor-show-volvo-introduces-the-environmental-concept-car/ |title=1992 Paris Motor Show: Volvo introduces the Environmental Concept Car |author=Ronan Glon |website=ranwhenparked.net |date=2 September 2014 |access-date=2017-08-06 }} It was a design exercise in using recycled material and hybrid technology.{{cite web |language=en |url=http://www.cardesignnews.com/articles/concept-car-of-the-week/2015/12/volvo-ecc-1992/ |title=Concept Car of the Week: Volvo ECC (1992) |author=Owen Ready |website=www.cardesignnews.com |date=11 December 2015 |access-date=2017-08-06 }} It was powered by a hybrid electric and gas turbine engine. Many of its lines and general styling were used as inspiration for the first generation Volvo S80.{{cite web |language=en |url=https://www.media.volvocars.com/global/en-gb/models/volvo-ecc/1992 |title=Volvo ECC – the car that gave the world a preview of Volvo's future already back in 1992 |author=Volvo Car Corporation |website=media.volvocars.com |date=1 March 2005 |access-date=2017-08-06 }} The ECC set a new design language for future Volvo models from the S80 onwards, the most obvious styling feature being the stepped waistline, which was inspired by the similar feature on the 200 Series, whilst retaining some of the angular elements from the 700/900 ranges.

The Volvo ECC was built on the Volvo P80 platform. In contrast to most production hybrids, which use a gasoline piston engine to provide additional acceleration and to recharge the battery storage, the Volvo ECC used a gas turbine engine to drive the generator for recharging. This type of engine has a higher thermodynamic efficiency than the conventional internal combustion engine with pistons. Also in Volvo's design, the fuel is evaporated and mixed with air before ignition. This provides a very low NOx emission. The driver can also switch between gas turbine electric and hybrid by switches on the dashboard.

The maximum power available was {{Convert|95|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}},{{cite web |language=en |url=http://www.lacar.com/lenfrank/volvoecc.htm |title=Volvo Environmental Concept Car - Driving the Future |author=Len Frank |website=www.lacar.com |date= |access-date=2017-08-06 }} with 76 available for continuous use. It had a drag coefficient of 0.23. With the vehicle weighing approximately {{Convert|1580|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} more than a conventional Volvo 850, acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) took 23 seconds in EV mode and 12.5 seconds with the turbine engaged.{{cite web |language=en |url=http://www.greencar.com/articles/volvo-hybrid-environmental-concept-car.php |title=Volvo Hybrid Environmental Concept Car |author=Ron Cogan |website=www.greencar.com |date=February 1993 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504023019/http://www.greencar.com/articles/volvo-hybrid-environmental-concept-car.php |archive-date=2009-05-04 |access-date=2017-08-06 |url-status=dead}} Top speed was {{Convert|109|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. The vehicle's range on batteries alone was {{Convert|90|mi|km|0|abbr=on}}, and when combined with a full tank of fuel for the turbine, about {{Convert|415|mi|km|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |language=en |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lztk20w2mDoC |title=Volvo's environmental turbine car |author=Len Frank |publisher=Popular Science |page=48 |date=January 1994 |access-date=2017-08-06 }}

The Volvo ECC was debuted at a time when California was seeking Zero Pollution Vehicles (ZPV).{{When|date=March 2021}} With its gas turbine, the Volvo ECC was not a zero-emissions vehicle, and hence did not meet the needs of the time. With the focus now{{When|date=March 2021}} shifted away from true zero-emissions vehicles, many of the concepts tested in the ECC may prove of value in future concept and production vehicles.

File:Gas turbine engine in the Volvo ECC.jpg