On the heels of Volvo announcing that it’s moving to be an all-electric brand by 2030, the luxury automaker has unveiled its second all-electric vehicle: 2022 C40 Recharge. The upcoming C40 Recharge is the first EV from the brand that was designed from the outset to run on electricity and joins the trend of being a swoopy crossover with coupe-like lines. Unlike Volvo’s other electrified vehicles, the C40 will only be available as an electric model, as there won’t be a gas-powered variant.
In addition to only being available with an electric powertrain, Volvo plans to only sell the C40 Recharge online. From the sound of things, it looks like the C40 Recharge is going to usher in a new era for Volvo to be an EV-only brand that sells vehicles online.
“The C40 Recharge represents the future of Volvo and shows where we are going,” said Henrik Green, chief technology officer. “It is fully electric, offered online only with a convenient care package, and will be available for quick delivery. Getting a new Volvo was never this attractive.”
This is a huge step for Volvo’s electrification plans. The Swedish luxury brand recently announced that it would become an electric-only automaker by 2030 and shift sales to be online only. While automakers make large claims all the time, few back them up so early on with a concrete plan. For consumers, the C40 Recharge is the first taste of what the future will look like for the brand. We’re curious to see how well Volvo pivots to being an all-electric, online-only automaker and we won’t have to wait long, as the C40 Recharge is expected to go on sale later this year.
As far as specs go, the C40 Recharge will utilize the same powertrain as the XC40 Recharge. The electric crossover features two electric motors – one at each end of the SUV – and a 78-kWh battery pack. Combined output is rated at 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. While the EPA hasn’t completed its testing on the C40 Recharge yet, we expect the SUV to have slightly more range than the XC40 Recharge, which is rated at 208 miles. When it comes to charging, the C40 Recharge can get 80% of its charge back in 40 minutes when plugged into a DC fast charger.
On the inside, the C40 Recharge’s coolest feature is its new Android Automotive infotainment system. The system was jointly developed with Google and allows consumers to use Google applications and built-in services, like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store. Thanks to over-the-air updates, the C40 Recharge will be improved over time and stay up to date without a visit to the dealership.
With its angular roofline, smaller interior, and sportier styling, the C40 Recharge will appeal to different shoppers than the XC40 Recharge. Volvo will manufacture the C40 Recharge alongside the XC40 Recharge at its manufacturing plant in Ghent, Belgium with production set to begin later this fall.