Volvo has unveiled a number of refreshes for its all-wheel drive XC40 electric crossover, alongside which the Swedish brand is also introducing a single-electric-motor version of the C40 Recharge.
First introduced in 2017 as an electric additions to Volvo’s XC40 crossover range, the Recharge moving forward will now feature a new front bumper and a frameless grille plate, the latter of which keeps the EV “visually in sync” with the C40 Recharge hatchback, the second of Volvo’s purely-electric models. The Swedish brand hopes the facelift will help “symbolise Volvo Cars’ electrification journey,” which includes selling electric-only vehicles by 2030.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
The ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights now feature pixel LED technology to avoid dazzling oncoming motorists, and leather-free upholstery is now an available option in the cabin. Volvo has not yet confirmed whether these updates will affect the XC40 Recharge’s MSRP, which ranges from $59,950 to $70,800 in Canada.
Arguably more significant than the facelift though is news that a single-motor alternative to the C40 coupé-SUV will also be added to Volvo’s product line-up later in the year, a move the marque hopes will encourage prospective owners to make the jump from internal combustion to EVs.
Volvo C40 Recharge
Equipped with a 69 kWh battery, the single-motor C40 Recharge is said to travel between 406 and 434 km on a single charge, a modest drop compared with the dual-motor ‘Recharge Twin’ C40, which features a 78 kWh battery and travels between 415 and 444 km. Topping up from 10 to 80 per cent is expected to take just 32 minutes on a fast-charging system.
A 170 kW / 231 hp electric motor will power the front axle only, a slight rise on the two 150 kW / 204 hp motors that produce a combined 300 kW / 408 hp on the Recharge Twin. Torque is unchanged at 330 Nm (just over 234 lb ft), though the Recharge Twin’s use of two motors doubles this to 660 Nm (just under 487 lb ft).
Interestingly, this leans the FWD Volvo C40 Recharge closely towards the rear-wheel drive Ford Mach-E, though the more performance-focused latter still comes out on top courtesy of a beefier 198 kW / 266 hp and 430Nm (317 lb ft).
