The way forward for Volvo Vehicles is electrical, and the brand new Volvo C40 Recharge is the newest manifestation of its dedication to zero emissions. By 2025, Volvo’s aim is for 50% of its international gross sales quantity to encompass totally electrical vehicles, and 50% hybrids. By 2030, it plans for each automotive it sells to be pure electrical.
12 months-to-date gross sales numbers point out Volvo’s technique is trending in a optimistic path for the long-lasting Swedish model, at the moment owned by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, as Volvo has tripled gross sales of its Recharge fashions in contrast with earlier 12 months gross sales.
Overview
If the brand new C40 Recharge is a sign of the efficiency, security and high quality of Volvo’s full-electric fashions, then the way forward for the model is about.
Brussels and Ghent, Belgium served because the gorgeous backdrop for my drive of the 2022 C40 Recharge, the proper vacation spot given the very fact the automotive is constructed alongside the XC40 Recharge on the Volvo Vehicles manufacturing plant in Ghent.
Exterior
The C40 Recharge enjoys all the advantages of an SUV however with a decrease and sleeker design. Assume XC40 SUV, with the so-called “four-door coupe” execution. It’s based mostly on the CMA car platform and the primary Volvo mannequin in historical past designed as pure electrical solely.
The general look works, because the lengthy hood and sloping roof line that flows right into a excessive, shorter rear part make the C40 look aggressive. The look is highlighted with good-looking 20-inch alloy wheels that don’t scream “That is an electrical automotive” and intensify the general sport-ute like top of the car. A pair of roof-mounted winglets and a rear spoiler add to the aggressive look.
Quite a lot of cool colours can be found, however my cash is on the gorgeous Fjord Blue metallic. All C40 colours characteristic a contrasting roof shade.
Inside
Inside, the C40 Recharge offers prospects with the excessive seating place most Volvo drivers choose. It is usually the primary Volvo mannequin to be utterly leather-based free. All interiors are black, though you will get color-coordinated door playing cards.
Overhead, a full glass panoramic roof provides the inside an open, ethereal really feel. The so-called “Topography” entrance passenger-side panel mimics the structure of the Abisko Nationwide Park in Sweden and is backlit at evening. It’s an upscale look that’s a welcome addition to the C40 inside.
The inside is welcoming for giant and tall of us, at the least up entrance. I’m 6’9” tall and weigh 275 kilos, and I had loads of head, leg and physique room. The sloping roof relegates shorter of us to the rear row of this five-seater.
The C40 Recharge presents first rate cargo capability (a rear hatch with seats folded and entrance “frunk”), and a most towing capability of two,000 kilos.
Powertrain
Full electrical automobiles provide silent thrust that’s infinitely addictive. It includes a twin motor AWD P8 drivetrain placing out 402 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. The pairing is nice for a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, and 225 miles of vary.
Vary totals are anticipated by Volvo to enhance over time through the brand new Vary Assistant app, which permits over-the-air software program updates to the battery administration system, enhance regeneration efficiency, and improve pre-conditioning the batteries. Moreover, the 78-kWh battery pack may be quick charged to 80% in simply 40 minutes.
Security and Expertise
The infotainment system was collectively developed with Google and is predicated on the Android working system. It offers customers with Google apps and companies built-in, equivalent to Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Retailer. Apple CarPlay can be out there within the close to future. The 12.3-inch driver show and 9-inch middle touchscreen present all pertinent data, and the middle display screen is voice and contact enabled. Over-the-air software program updates may be scheduled or set to obtain routinely.
Driving Impressions
Driving throughout scenic Belgium was a pleasing expertise. Nice acceleration, coupled with competent dealing with made the drive tremendous pleasant. The C40’s “one pedal” regen system works extraordinarily properly, and you’ll dial within the aggressiveness of the system to your particular tastes.
Wrap Up
“The C40 Recharge represents the way forward for Volvo and exhibits the place we’re going,” mentioned Henrik Inexperienced, chief expertise officer. “It’s totally electrical, supplied on-line solely with a handy care package deal and can be out there for fast supply. Getting a brand new Volvo was by no means this enticing.”
The corporate makes possession enticing with some peace of thoughts as properly. The C40 Recharge’s “Handy Care” customary shopper package deal contains Put on Protection (4 years/40,000 miles), Manufacturing facility Scheduled Upkeep (additionally 4/40,000), Bumper-to-Bumper New Automotive Guarantee (4/50,000), and Excessive Voltage Drive Battery protection (8/100,000).
The C40 Care Provide additionally comes with 250 kW of DC quick charging with Electrify America, an EV charging firm; and Electrify America’s Cross + for one 12 months, which provides you a kWh fee low cost on quick charging.
Volvo C40 Recharge pricing begins at $58,750, earlier than Federal and state tax incentives. There’s a $1,095 Vacation spot price.
2022 Volvo C40 Recharge — Continuously Requested Questions
What’s the vary of the Volvo C40 Recharge?
Volvo says the C40 Recharge has an EPA-estimated vary of 225 miles. Moreover, the 78-kWh battery pack may be quick charged to 80% in simply 40 minutes.
How a lot will the C40 Recharge price?
Volvo C40 Recharge pricing begins at $58,750, earlier than Federal and state tax incentives. There’s a $1,095 Vacation spot price.
The place is the C40 constructed?
The 2022 Volvo C40 is constructed on the corporate’s plant in Ghent, Belgium, which additionally produces the gas-powered 40 mannequin.
