2021 Volvo C40 Recharge - First Volvo Model In History Designed As A Pure EV

In its continued quest towards electrification and a zero-emission future, Volvo introduced the C40 Recharge, the first Volvo ever in history to be designed from ground-up as a pure EV. 

In a nutshell, Volvo's first pure electric crossover will have a range of 420 kilometres according to the WLTP cycle. A 0-100 km/h arrives in a rapid 4.9 seconds. It will be 100 percent leather-free and have a Google built-in (like finally).

Twin electric motors, one on the front and one on the rear axle will power the C40 Recharge. The C40 will come with a 78kWh battery, with the ability to be fast-charged to 80 percent in about 40 minutes. This is however expected to improve with over-the-air software updates. 

Volvo aims for 50 percent of its global sales volume by 2025 to consist fully of EV's and to that effect we should see the roll-out of several more electric models in the years leading up to that. 

“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.”

As espoused above the Volvo C40 Recharge will only be made available for purchase online. Volvo aims to be a fully electric car company globally by 2030 and will launch a whole range of electric cars in the coming years – all of which will be exclusively only available online.

Owners or fans of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will be familiar with the face of the C40 Recharge. The rear is where you will see a striking difference however with a lower roof line and a redesigned rear taillight cluster. Initial impressions do look good. Across the front, the C40 does step up bolder, incorporating headlights with state-of-the-art pixel-technology. 

On the inside, one feature that I am raring to see in the flesh, is the backlit dashboard. It's a definite stand-out feature. 

Infotainment comes courtesy of a joint development between Volvo and Google. Buyers will have Google apps and its services built-in such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store. Hallelujah! 

An unlimited data subscription plan will ensure 24/7 connectivity and over-the-air software updates long after the C40 leaves the factory floor. 

The Volvo C40 Recharge will be available in seven colours: Fjord Blue Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Silver Dawn Metallic, Sage Green Metallic, Thunder Grey Metallic, Black Stone and Fusion Red Metallic. 

The C40 Recharge will begin production this fall and will be built alongside the XC40 Recharge at the Volvo Cars manufacturing plant in Ghent, Belgium.