A Volvo that can be fuelled with electricity from a standard wall socket will be a reality by 2012.

In January 2007, Volvo Car Corporation and Swedish energy company, Vattenfall, launched a joint project with the aim of testing and developing plug-in technology.

Now their cooperation is being taken to the next level with plans to introduce plug-in hybrids to market, powered by electricity and an exceptionally fuel efficient diesel engine that will see fuel consumption drop to under 2.0l/100km and C02 emissions under 50g/km.

“We are investing in an industrial joint venture to series-produce plug-in hybrid cars in Sweden in 2012, cars that can be powered by both electricity and diesel. This is an important business development for us and our partnership with Vattenfall allows us to take a giant step toward offering our customers cars with an even smaller environmental footprint,” says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of the Volvo Car Corporation.