Volvo has announced it will team up with Siemens to produce electric cars – the latest in a string of similar partnerships between global companies.
The two corporations will look to develop electrical drive technology, power electronics and charging technology for Volvo’s C 30 electric car, which is also being developed as a range-extended hybrid.
The first models will be tested by the end of this year, with a further 200 delivered to Siemens in late 2012 for testing under real-life conditions as part of the engineering company’s internal fleet.
Siemens already has deals in place with BMW and Renault to develop electric car charging equipment as part of a policy to become what Siegfried Russwurm, chief executive of the Siemens Industry Sector, described as “a comprehensive electric mobility pioneer”.
“Co-operation with Volvo is an important milestone in the development of top-quality components and systems for electric cars subsequently intended for series production,” he added. “It is our long-term goal to establish Siemens as a global system provider with solutions both inside and outside electric vehicles.”
The move also echoes a recent series of deals struck between manufacturers to advance low-carbon cars.
GM last week extended its partnership deal with LG beyond manufacturing batteries for the Chevrolet Volt to creating new models days after Toyota and Ford teamed up to build new hybrid trucks and SUVs.
Earlier this year, BMW and Peugeot Citroen created a joint venture to develop hybrid car components, while Daimler, Renault and Nissan joined forces last year.
Volvo also announced it is currently developing a plug-in hybrid bus that, compared with diesel buses, could reduce energy consumption by up to 65 per cent and carbon-dioxide emissions by more than 75 per cent.
A prototype is expected by the end of the year with three buses commencing a field trial in the Swedish city of Gothenburg in autumn 2012.
