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Volvo makes breakthrough in battery tech

Volvo has developed a new way of ‘storing’ energy for its future electric vehicles. The Swedish firm is exploring the concept of lightweight structural energy storage components made from carbonfibre, containing “nano structured batteries and super capacitors.” This technology is said to offer a lighter, more compact solution to the problem of energy storage, potentially removing the need for the heavy, bulky batteries used in current electric vehicles. On Bing: see pictures of the Volvo S80 Find out how much a used Volvo S80 costs on Auto Trader The investigation into the new technology is part of an EU-funded research project, undertaken by Volvo – the only major car manufacturer involved – and nine other organisations.

Qoros GQ3: Chinese rival for the Ford Focus revealed

The first of a new range of cars from the Chinese Qoros brand – the Qoros GQ3 – has been revealed ahead of a debut at Geneva 2013. Three months ahead of that reveal Qoros has jumped in with a reveal of their first offering and some details about what it has on offer. Unsurprisingly, the reality is somewhat less exciting to look at than the dynamic-looking teaser image we saw last month. Planned to go on sale in both China and Europe during 2013 the Qoros GQ3 is aimed at young buyers, although why any car company would build a C-Segment saloon and expect young buyers to lap it up in Europe is beyond us.

Honda Insight tops UK Hybrid sales

The Honda Insight beats the Toyota Prius in UK Hybrid car sales [ad#ad-1] It’s no secret that Honda want to beat Toyota in the Hybrid car sales stakes. The Honda Insight was launched at a particularly keen price point with one aim in mind – to beat the Toyota Prius. And it appears to have worked.