News

Volvo Introduces Wind Tunnel to Reduce CO2-Emissions and Lower Fuel Consumption

Gothenburg, Sweden
28 Sunday Sep, 2008

Volvo has introduced one of the world's most advanced wind tunnels in the new Volvo C30 DRIVe. The wind tunnel fully simulates airflow around and underneath the car's body, combined with wheel rotation on a flat road surface. This reduces air resistance in the car by more than 10 percent which in turn leads to reduction of around 3 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer.

Volvo developed the 27 square meter wind-generating chamber in-house. Volvo Cars' wind tunnel was first built in 1986 and after two decades it is now being completely upgraded. The upgraded tunnel will have the ability to move air at speeds up to 155mph via its eight meter carbon fiber blades. 

Commenting on the development, Tim Walker, aerodynamics expert at Volvo Cars said, "Our 20 Million Euro investment is already paying quick dividends. We have succeeded in reducing air resistance in the new Volvo C30 DRIVe by more than 10 percent. This in turn leads to around 3 grams lower CO2 emissions per kilometer."