The future of Volvo Cars is electric, and according to the company, the new C40 Recharge is the latest manifestation of its commitment to a zero-emission future.
Volvo says the C40 Recharge has all the benefits of an SUV, but with a lower and sleeker design. It is based on the CMA vehicle platform and it is the first Volvo model in history designed as pure electric only.
Following the introduction of the XC40 Recharge and now the C40 Recharge, Volvo Cars will roll out several additional electric models in coming years. Already by 2025, it aims for 50 per cent of its global sales volume to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest hybrids. By 2030, it plans for every car it sells to be pure electric. It has also announced that all sales will be on-line.
The C40 Recharge features a stand-out rear-end design to go with the lower roof line, while the new front design introduces a new face for electric Volvo, and it says it also includes head lights with state-of-the-art pixel-technology.
Inside, the C40 Recharge provides customers with the high seating position that most Volvo drivers prefer, while it is available with a range of colour and deco options unique to the model. It is also the first Volvo model to be completely leather-free.
Like the XC40 Recharge, Volvo claims that the C40 Recharge comes with one of the best infotainment systems on the market, jointly developed with Google and based on the Android operating system. It provides consumers with Google apps and services built-in, such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store. Unlimited data enables superior connectivity and the C40 Recharge will receive software updates over the air. That means it will continue to improve over time after it has left the factory.
The propulsion consists of twin electric motors, one on the front and one on the rear axle, powered by a 78kWh battery that Volvo says can be fast charged to 80 per cent in about 40 minutes. Volvo adds that it offers an anticipated range of around 420 km, which is expected to improve over time via over-the-air software updates.
It is planned that the C40 Recharge will go in production this autumn and will be built alongside the XC40 Recharge at the Volvo Cars manufacturing plant in Belgium.
