Volvo joins the hybrid fray with it's ReCharge Concept, a plug-in hybrid with individual electric wheel motors that can drive an estimated 60+ miles before the vehicle's four-cylinder Flexifuel engine is needed to power the car and recharge the battery.

When driving beyond the car's battery life, fuel consumption is projected at a minimum of 40 mpg or better, depending on the distance driven.

Volvo researchers say the ReCharge Concept can lower carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 66 percent compared to other hybrids. In addition to operating on battery energy, the ReCharge Concept can also accelerate from zero to 60 in 9 seconds and reach top speeds of about 100 mph. Who says a hybrid has to be pokey? And with Volvo behind the car, drivers can expect the usual commitment to safety.

The vehicle, which will debut in a specially-designed Volvo C30 at the IAA motor show in Frankfurt, was developed on the west coast at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center in Camarillo, CA.