Next-generation electric cars that are capable of travelling longer distances without the need for recharging could be a step closer as Volvo announces they are looking to develop an electric car.

The research is supported by the Swedish Energy Agency to create a new car part fuel cell that can extend the electric car’s operating range without any CO2 emissions.

Their overall aim is to create two chassis based on the Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric ready to be tested for everyday use in 2012.

“This is an exciting expansion of our focus on electrification,” said Stefan Jacoby, Volvo Cars President and CEO.

“The project gives us increased knowledge about fuel cells and hydrogen gas.”

By redesigning fuel cells of electric cars it enables the distance the cars can cover to be extended before they need to be recharged.

The Volvo research includes a reformer being added to the fuel cell which breaks down a liquid fuel (petrol normally) to create hydrogen gas, this is then converted into electrical energy used to power the car.

“We have just taken the first steps and it is naturally too early to talk about market introduction of electric cars with Range Extenders,” Mr Jacoby added.

The end products result in reduced CO2, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides due to the increased efficiency so merely electricity, water and a small amount of CO2 is produced.

The technology is expected to increase by up to 250 kilometres the electric car’s operating range.

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Volvo had a little mishap when its new S60 model collided with a lorry during a demonstration of its new collision warning system, Wired.co.uk reports.

The car, not due for release until later this year, was propelled from the Swedish manufacturer’s testing tunnel towards a truck at about 30mph, but instead of the warning system bringing it to a stop, the vehicle smashed into the truck.

Press who had assembled to see the device in action did get a preview of its effectiveness earlier in the day, and Volvo claimed the crash was down to human error.

Initially launched in 2000, the S60 is a compact executive sedan, the upgraded version of which will range in price from £23,295 to £36,745.

The three engine choices include the standard 203bhp D5 diesel, or the improved T6 petrol engine, which offers 300bhp and takes the S60 from a standstill to 60mph in just 6.5 seconds.

Volvo recently announced in its Sustainability Report that it would increase its focus on producing an eco-friendly range of cars.

Volvo had a little mishap when its new S60 model collided with a lorry during a demonstration of its new collision warning system, Wired.co.uk reports.

The car, not due for release until later this year, was propelled from the Swedish manufacturer’s testing tunnel towards a truck at about 30mph, but instead of the warning system bringing it to a stop, the vehicle smashed into the truck.

Press who had assembled to see the device in action did get a preview of its effectiveness earlier in the day, and Volvo claimed the crash was down to human error.

Initially launched in 2000, the S60 is a compact executive sedan, the upgraded version of which will range in price from £23,295 to £36,745.

The three engine choices include the standard 203bhp D5 diesel, or the improved T6 petrol engine, which offers 300bhp and takes the S60 from a standstill to 60mph in just 6.5 seconds.

Volvo recently announced in its Sustainability Report that it would increase its focus on producing an eco-friendly range of cars.

Sustainable mobility remains a strong priority for Volvo, according to the car manufacturer’s Sustainability Report.

It has introduced seven DRIVe models, diesel cars with enhanced fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions than normal, while it also plans to start series production of a plug-in hybrid model by 2010.

The Volvo XC60, an eco-friendly SUV compact, has enjoyed continued success as the Swedish firm’s best-selling model in 2009, receiving several international awards along the way.

"Our commitment goes beyond the tailpipe emissions of our cars – we believe that our responsibility starts with our supplier chain, through production, use and recycling, encompassing a holistic environmental approach," said Stephen Odell, the company’s president and chief executive officer.

The company recently announced all its new models would include pollen filters to ease the suffering of Volvo drivers with hay fever.

Earlier this year, the Volvo S80 executive saloon and V70 premium estate models were modified to produce CO2 emissions as low as 119g/km.

Volvo is offering a solution to motorists faced with the irritation of hay fever.

All of the manufacturer’s new models will be fitted with a pollen filter, which will provide some relief for the nation’s sufferers, estimated to number between eight and ten million.

The high-quality filter is designed to keep the interior of the car free from the pollen which triggers the irritation, and which is prominent at this time of year, known as the hay fever season.

"The filters we fit to clean the passenger compartment air also remove the particles that cause allergies. A ride in a car can actually make breathing easier for many sufferers when the problem becomes acute," says Andreas Andersson, manager of allergy-optimised car interiors at Volvo Cars.

Characterised by sneezing and itchy eyes, hay fever is brought on by airborne pollen released by trees, grass and plants, the season runs through spring and summer.

New Volvo car parts will be on display at this year’s Geneva Motor Show as the manufacturer unveiled its all-new S60 model.

Set to debut at the Swiss event on March 2nd, the vehicle features a new dynamic chassis, which allows for a more active drive, and pedestrian detection and full auto brake capabilities.

Promising to be "more distinct than any previous Volvo", the S60’s design team have refined each part of the car in order to improve the driving experience.

The S60 range will feature two diesel and one petrol engine, while a DRIVe version, powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine with lower carbon emissions, will arrive in dealerships in 2011.

"The C-pillar of the all-new S60 stretches all the way to the tail lamps – and the slim coupe – like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body," a Volvo statement said of the vehicle’s design.

Earlier this month, Volvo announced a partnership with Snowbombing 2010, a music and snowsports festival taking place in the Austrian resort of Mayrhofen between April 5th-10th.

Volvo’s S80 executive saloon and V70 premium estate models have been modified to produce CO2 emissions as low as 119g/km, it has been revealed.

The designs are the fourth and fifth body models for its DRIVe range and have reduced annual carbon emissions by 150 kg on the S80 and V70 DRIVe’s previous lows of 129g/km.

In addition, the firm stated that the cars now offer the best environmental performance in their respective classes and fall into vehicle excise duty band C, which will cost motorists just £35 per year.

Volvo Cars president and chief executive Stephen Odell commented that the pace of environmental design since autumn 2008 has made the modifications necessary.

He added: "Now that we have brought two of the larger models in below the magical 120g/kg limit, few of our competitors can now match us when it comes to offering customers an extensive range of low emission cars."

Last year saw sales of new Volvos increase by four per cent on 2008.

Volvo is to celebrate exceeding targets for not just the sale of Volvo spares, but more than 10,000 units for quarter four this year.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that as of the end of last month the brand had sold 31,393 motors compared to 2008’s year end sales of 31,655.

It is thought that the introduction of the scrappage scheme in May of this year has assisted the brand with its sales.

Peter Rask, managing director of Volvo Car UK, commented: "2009 has been a challenging year for the whole automotive industry but I’m very pleased that Volvo has emerged from this difficult period in such a strong position."

He added that the brand’s success could be attributed to it producing quality products at competitive prices – stating that buyers have been "voting with their wallets".

The manufacturer is also committed to making greener vehicles, stating that it strives to create cars that have zero impact on the environment.

It is unlikely Volvo used parts will be necessary this Christmas as a new fleet of trucks will be responsible for delivering Iceland food items.

The vehicles will be supplied to the brand’s stores, with the catchy slogan ‘that’s why mums go to Iceland’, as a result of a contract between a dealer in the North West, Thomas Hardie Commercials.

Iceland’s contracts manager, David Hill, said: "We offer everyday great value to our customers who demand quality products at competitive prices.

"Volvo and Thomas Hardie have responded to our need for value in the supply chain with a competitive contract hire package."

He added that the longstanding relationship between Volvo and Thomas Hardie delivers the combination of great service and a great product.

Iceland will use its own drivers with Thomas Hardie providing development advanced fuel economy training so they can use the motors effectively.

Volvo recently launched a virtual 80 days around the world competition where competitors are only allowed to use their Facebook friends to travel. The winners will have a donation made in their names to the myclimate carbon offset project.

Car manufacturer Volvo has revealed the first pictures of the company’s new edition S60.

It is set to be officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show in spring of 2010.

What is said to mark the vehicle out for customers is the fact it is "dynamic" to drive combined with being sporty.

Stephen Odell, president and chief executive officer at Volvo Cars, said: "The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you. It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car’s technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel."

Next year will mark the 80th Geneva Motor Show.

Volvo has been established as a manufacturer since 1927 but in 1999 the company’s ownership was assumed by the Ford Motor Company.

It claims that over the duration of the last 75 years it has turned into a worldwide respected organisation and that it has always been a groundbreaking company in terms of its car safety.