Volvo has ambitious goals. Only fully electric vehicles are to be built and sold by 2030. Time will tell whether it will really be that far in nine years. Until then, it will be models like the recently introduced Volvo C40 Recharge that should pave the way. For the first time, Volvo is offering a new version that is only battery-powered (values for C / XC40 – combined power consumption: 25.0-23.8 kWh / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g / km²).
Read now: First test of the Volvo XC40 Recharge
Can only be ordered electrically and only online
The novelty derived from the XC40 Recharge is also sold exclusively online. The core of the offer is to be the “Care by Volvo” subscription model, which will be expanded in the future and, in addition to service, warranty, breakdown assistance and vehicle insurance, also includes charging options for the home.
As with the XC40 compact SUV, the new C40 is also a long-legged vehicle that is almost four and a half meters long. In contrast to the XC40, however, the roofline of the C40 runs a little lower overall and also drops significantly towards the rear. This is another SUV coupé that, compared to the XC40, still has its own front and rear design. The elongated LED taillights are striking, although they do not form a continuous band of light.
The C40 shares the drive with the XC40
In addition to the platform, the C40 Recharge also shares the drive technology with the XC40. One e-machine each on the front and rear axles in the system has an output of 300 kW / 408 PS and also provides an electric all-wheel drive. According to the WLTP standard, the battery with a net capacity of 75 kWh should be sufficient for 420 kilometers – in everyday life, however, it should be well below 400 kilometers.
As with the XC40, a sprint from a standing start is possible in around five seconds, the maximum – as with all new Volvo – 180 km / h is the upper limit. According to the manufacturer, the fast charging technology allows charging to 80 percent in around 40 minutes. Similar to the XC40, a weaker and purely front-wheel drive variant of the C40 could be submitted at the end of 2021.
Android Automotive as the operating system
The special features of the C40 include an optionally leather-free interior, Android Automotive as the infotainment and operating system and the fact that it will inherit the former V40. The compact model, which was retired in 2019, has finally found a successor – albeit with a different visual appearance.
The new C40 Recharge can initially be experienced in showrooms in Tokyo, Milan and New York. There is no information available at the start of the order process. The purchase price is likely to be at a similar level to the XC40 Recharge, which will cost around 58,000 euros from the upcoming model year 2022. (Text: tv, mh / sp-x | Images: manufacturer)