The XC40 becomes the first mass-produced electric Volvo. Named Recharge, this version receives two engines, for a cumulative power of more than 400 hp. The range exceeds 400 km.
Some people remember the electric C30. But it had not been marketed. A small number of copies had been produced and made available to corporate and administrative fleets. The first Volvo electric of large series is this XC40, which inaugurates on occasion the name Recharge, which will be affixed on the brand’s trendy vehicles, including hybrids.
The transformation was simple, because the XC40 is based on a modular CMA platform which was originally designed to receive the elements of a 100% electric version. This did not prevent the engineers from reviewing the structure so that the battery, located under the cabin, was well protected.
This XC40 is equipped with two 150 kW electric motors, one at the front, one at the rear, which gives four-wheel drive. The cumulative power is 408 hp! The 0 to 100 km / h is achieved in record time, 4.9 seconds. The maximum speed is limited to 180 km / h. The battery has a capacity of 78 kWh, with 75 kWh useful. Volvo announces autonomy with the WLTP cycle of more than 400 km. With a (very rare) 150 kW terminal, you fill up to 80% in 40 minutes.
Aesthetically, a few elements make it possible to recognize the XC40 Recharge. At the front, the vehicle has an almost closed grille, with a body-colored element. At the rear, we note of course the disappearance of the exhaust pipes. The model will be available in eight shades, including a brand new Metallic Sage Green. The black roof will be standard. There are also specific 19 or 20 inch rims.
On board, the innovation concerns the multimedia system. It is brand new for this electric variant. It runs on Android and integrates Google services, including Google Maps. The Google Assistant allows the user to activate on-board vehicle features such as temperature control or choice of music and podcasts, using applications such as Spotify.
The price is not yet known. Volvo plans to launch one electric vehicle per year over the next five years. In 2025, he thinks that half of his sales will be made with his 100% electric cars.
