Volvo expands its range with the C40 Recharge P8

After launching the XC40 Recharge P8 AWD, Volvo is rolling out the "coupe version" of its first electric vehicle – which is designed exclusively as an electric car and not as a combustion engine vehicle. Later, both models will be followed by weaker and more affordable front-wheel-drive versions. By 2025, 50 percent of global sales volume is expected to be pure electric cars, with the rest being hybrids or plug-in hybrids. By 2030, every Volvo sold will be fully electric, as previously reported. Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer, explains enthusiastically:

"The C40 Recharge represents the future of Volvo and shows where we are headed. It is fully electric, will only be sold online with an all-inclusive package, and will be readily available. Getting a new Volvo has never been so attractive."

In the new model, Volvo has mostly lowered the "greenhouse" – similar to what Bertone once did with the 262 C Coupe – but this time the result looks much more harmonious. The rear of the C40 Recharge has also been completely redesigned and stands out with its flowing lines. Despite this, the interior of the C40 Recharge offers customers the high seating position that most Volvo drivers prefer and is available with a range of model-specific color and decor options. Additionally, it is the first Volvo model to be completely leather-free. The C40 Recharge will go into production in the fall of 2021 and will be built alongside the XC40 Recharge in Ghent, Belgium.

Google on Board - But It Doesn't Understand "Automotive"

Like the XC40 Recharge, the C40 Recharge is also equipped with the new infotainment system developed jointly with Google, which is based on the Android operating system. It offers integrated Google apps and services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. Unlimited data is supposed to enable better connectivity, which is why the C40 Recharge receives its software updates over-the-air. This way, it is expected to improve over time, much like Teslas. However, in practice, one must be cautious that Google does not understand abstractly: When saying "I'm cold" in the XC40, it does not increase the heating but instead suggests dressing warmer.

The powertrain of the C40 also consists of two electric motors, one on the front and one on the rear axle, powered by a 78 kWh battery that can be fast-charged to 80 percent in about 40 minutes. The expected range is around 420 kilometers, which is supposed to be improved over time through software updates. However, in our first test drives with the XC40 Recharge P8 AWD, only around 300 kilometers remained with a high motorway share, mostly driven at a steady 120 to 130 km/h. Similar figures are expected for the "C".

As previously announced, the fully electric C40 Recharge will only be available online. In line with the effort to reduce complexity in the model range and focus on attractive, pre-selected variants, Volvo Cars has drastically simplified the customer offering for the C40 Recharge. When customers purchase a new C40 Recharge, it will come with a comfortable care package that includes elements such as service, warranty, roadside assistance, as well as insurance and home charging options. Volvo Care will also continue to be offered.

What does that mean?

The C40 is essentially "just" a variant of the XC40 Recharge P8 AWD. But it no longer comes as an internal combustion engine and also points to the future in sales. It will be interesting to see what share it can capture in the Volvo portfolio and what other electric vehicles Volvo will follow with in the near future. Especially since they can then be designed more consistently for purely electric drives.