Drive towards Zero is Volvo Cars’ vision for the future. The company’s focus is to develop cars that are entirely free of harmful emissions and emissions that negatively impact the environment. 2008 was a pioneering year for Volvo Cars’ technology in the environmental area. Below are examples of how Volvo Cars drives towards zero. In the full report you can read more about our environmental offers and work.

Technology for reduced environmental impact. In the short term, the emphasis is on greater efficiency of existing technology that can be used in more models. Also the transition towards increased use of renewable fuels will include car models that are adapted for use with multiple sources of fuel.

The DRIVe concept is Volvo Cars’ symbol for a broad environmental initiative. The concept encompasses the entire life cycle of the car, from product development to production and recycling. Volvo’s DRIVe cars are a series of extremely fuel-efficient diesels.

Cars of the future – hybrids and electrification: Volvo Cars is focusing on developing various types of hybrid alternatives. In early 2009, we introduced micro-hybrids, a Start/Stop technique that turns off combustion engines when standing still. Over the slightly longer term, electrification of the powertrain is the greatest opportunity for achieving significantly reduced environmental impacts when driving.

Volvo ReCharge Concept was presented in 2007 – a plug-in hybrid with a 100 km battery range. The ReCharge concept is a clear step in the development towards cars with reduced environmental impact. This is a first step towards future hybrids. 

Vehicle gas – today we can offer a true multifuel car, thanks to an aftermarket conversion. The car can be operated using five different fuels: biogas, bioethanaol, natural gas, gasoline and hytane.