Our coverage of the Frankfurt Auto Show continues, with news from Volvo on their plug-in hybrid concept - the ReCharge.

Based on their very own C30, the Recharge is a series hybrid (like the Chevy Volt), meaning that its fossil-fuel-burning engine isn’t connected mechanically in any way to its wheels. Instead, the engine is used to run an electric generator that recharges a battery pack, which in turn provides power to electric motors.

Operating costs are estimated to be about 80 percent lower compared to a similar petrol-powered car when using battery power alone and even drivers who cover more than the battery-only range will benefit from the ReCharge Concept. For a 150km (93 mile) drive starting with a full charge, the car will require less than 2.8 litres of fuel, giving the car an effective fuel economy of 1.9 l/100km (124mpg). The only extra cost will be the electricity used during charging. The Volvo ReCharge Concept can be charged at any regular electric plug socket at convenient locations such as at home or work and a full recharge will take three hours. However, even a quick one hour charge provides enough power to cover just over 30 miles.