Tristar Worldwide trial Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrids in EST initiative

Tuesday, October 1, 2013 - 12:00
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TRIAL: Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Chauffeur company Tristar Worldwide are trialling three Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrids as part of the Energy Saving Trust’s (EST) Plugged-In Fleet Initiative (PIFI).

The vehicles will be with Tristar for six to eight months covering more than 20,000 miles each.

Initially placed with key decision-makers, the vehicles will then be rolled out to chauffeurs to fully assess the operational benefits of a plug-in hybrid.

Chosen as part of twenty participating PIFI fleets, Tristar’s trial is aimed at exploring if the currently-used Volvo diesels could be replaced with Plug-in Hybrids.

Throughout the trial, Tristar will monitor running costs, mileage data and overall driver and customer feedback before compiling a final report at the trial’s conclusion.

Dean De Beer, CEO of Tristar Worldwide Chauffeur Services, said: “It’s important that we can offer our discerning clients a wide range of vehicle options including an ultra-low emission solution and the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is a potential option for this.

“We are constantly updating our Volvo fleet and the safety features in the latest cars are definitely helping us to reduce our operational costs.

“We hope that we can achieve similar gains with this vehicle.”

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid’s front wheels are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4litre turbo diesel producing 215HP, with the rear axle powered by a 70HP electric motor.

It produces 48g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle.

Funded by the Department for Transport and Transport for London, PIFI aims to demonstrate where plug-ins can fulfil and maximise business needs, show where vehicles work economically and provide vital insights into the fleet market.

Selwyn Cooper, National Corporate Operations Manager at Volvo Car UK, said: “The V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the perfect vehicle for chauffeurs as it pairs luxury with a smooth and quiet driving experience.

“During the trial Tristar can look forward to reducing their overall running costs as well as placing their clients in the back of one of the safest cars on the road today.”

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