Volvo’s First BEV and Online Only Retailed Car
Volvo’s first BEV, outside of its sibling Polestar brand, has been revealed as a coupe-like crossover promising the same driver ride height as its XC40.
The car, to be officially launched at simultaneous events in Tokyo, Milan and New York, will also be the first to be retailed exclusively online. The powertrain employs twin electric motors, one on the front and one on the rear axle, powered by a 78kWh battery that can be fast charged to 80% in about 40 minutes. It claims an initial maximum range of 261 miles), which is expected to improve over time via over-the-air software updates.
It will come with a convenient care package that includes items such as servicing, warranty, roadside assistance, as well as insurance and home charging options.
Inside, the C40 Recharge provides customers with the high seating position while it is available with a preset range of color and deco options unique to the model. It is also the first Volvo model to be completely leather free.
Like the XC40 Recharge, the C40 Recharge comes with an infotainment system 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. The C40 Recharge will go into production this autumn and will be built alongside the XC40 Recharge at the Volvo Cars manufacturing plant in Ghent, Belgium.
Henrik Green, chief technology officer at Volvo Cars, said: “The C40 Recharge represents the future of Volvo and shows where we are going. 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.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
