As climate change concerns accelerate the auto industry‘s pivot towards electrification, Volvo Cars aims to lead in sustainability. The Volvo C40 Recharge represents a milestone as their first ever battery electric vehicle (BEV) designed from the outset to be zero emissions.
Offering a real-world driving range up to 250 miles, 402 horsepower and a high-tech Google-powered cockpit, the C40 Recharge brings a unique Scandinavian flair to the luxury EV crossover space. Let‘s take an in-depth look at Volvo‘s inaugural battery electric vehicle – from its role in their greener future to how all that eco-friendly tech performs on the road.
Volvo‘s Ambitious Electric Game Plan
Volvo Cars stated their intention to evolve into a fully electric car company by 2030. An ambitious aim rivaling industry frontrunners like Tesla and Polestar, this forms part of their plan to develop climate neutral manufacturing through renewable energy and lower emission materials.
As a first step, Volvo is targeting 50% of their total sales volume to be fully electric vehicles by 2025. If achieved, this positions them to completely phase out internal combustion engines just 5 years later.
Volvo‘s Recent Electrified Sales Share
| Year | Global BEV+PHEV Sales | Percent of Total Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 15% | 45,933 vehicles |
| 2020 | 23% | 88,282 vehicles |
| 2021 | 26% | 191,696 vehicles |
The C40 Recharge will be integral for Volvo hitting these goals. As their first model built exclusively for battery electric propulsion, it ushers in a new generation of EVs from the Swedish brand. Over the coming years, expect to see more Volvo BEVs joining the C40 Recharge as they work towards their zero emissions target.
Volvo‘s 5 Year Electric Vehicle Plan
| Year | EV Milestone | Additional EVs Expected |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Launch C40 Recharge | Next gen XC90 BEV |
| 2023 | 50% of sales are BEVs | Small BEV, XC40 BEV |
| 2025 | Up to 1 million Volvo BEVs | Expand crossover/SUV BEV line-up |
| 2026-2030 | 100% sales are BEVs | Replace remaining ICE models |
C40 Recharge Specifications – Well-Equipped for Premium Electric Crossover Competition
As a compact crossover measuring 174 inches long and 63 inches tall, the C40 Recharge rivals gasoline-powered models like Audi‘s Q4, BMW‘s X3 and the Tesla Model Y. Let‘s examine how the Volvo‘s all-electric engineering specs match up.
Battery, Range & Charging
- 78 kWh Lithium Ion Battery
- 226 Official EPA Range Estimate
- ~250 Mi Real-World Range
- 11 Hours @ 11 kW (Level 2) for full charge
- 185 kW Max DC Fast Charging
- 33 Minutes for 10-80% Charge
Performance, Drivetrain & Chassis
- Dual Motor AWD
- 402 HP Combined Motor Output
- 486 lb-ft Combined Motor Torque
- 0-60 mph in 4.7 Seconds
- Top speed = 112 mph
- Low Center of Gravity from floor-mounted battery
- Multi-link rear suspension
- Electronic Stability Control
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
- Length = 174.2 inches
- Width = 73.3 inches
- Height = 58.7 inches
- Wheelbase = 106.4 inches
- Curb Weight = 4,854 pounds
- Drag coefficient = TBD
Currently only the dual motor AWD model is offered, starting from an MSRP of $56,395 before incentives. A less expensive single motor FWD variant is expected to launch eventually at around $47,000.
So against its closest competitors, the Volvo C40 Recharge gives up little in performance and range terms while undercutting most on pricing. Combined with strong brand pedigree and reputation for safety, it makes a compelling alternative to better-known premium EV offerings.
Volvo C40 Recharge vs Rival Electric Crossover SUVs
(source: manufacturers sites)
Exterior Design – Sporty Silhouette Meets Scandi Chic
Many small crossover EVs adopt conservative styling reminiscent of their boxy gasoline counterparts. Not so with the C40 Recharge, which brings a fastback-style body capped by a radically raked rear roof pillar.
Paired with a blunt nose featuring Volvo‘s tall corporate grille and Thor‘s hammer LED headlights, the contrast between front and rear makes for a dramatic, almost coupé-like profile.
Yet classic Scandinavian design DNA ensures it remains unmistakably Volvo. More adventurous surfacing versus their recent models brings welcome visual intrigue too. Those chunky body sides for example, concave and convex in all the right places.
With large wheels pushed out to the corners allowed by short front/rear overhangs, the C40 Recharge‘s athletic stance promises agility and performance to match its style. Add some metallic paint and it starts looking more exciting crossover coupé than mere family hauler.
Cabin Ambience – Soothing Scandi Style via Sustainable Materials
Calm, collected minimalism greets C40 Recharge occupants once inside. An airy, uncluttered environment allows focus on what matters – the sweeping dashboard dominated by Google‘s new Android Automotive operating system.
Gone is the old Sensus system, replaced by a slicker, more instantly recognizable interface with Google‘s services deeply integrated. Expect better voice functionality, faster response and more capability gained via regular OTA updates. iOS users may rue the lack of Apple CarPlay however.
The cabin‘s sustainable material mix features responsibly-sourced wool textiles, composite leather and suedes. Decor trim utilizes recycled plastics and bio-based fibers – almost 90% of all interior parts are non-leather. Combined with panoramic sunroof illumination, the C40 Recharge‘s distinctive Scandi ambience soothes and delights in equal measure.
Only rear headroom suffers slightly due to the tapered roofline, while anterior space stays class-competitive. Cargo flexibility lags some rivals, but hybrid EV components don‘t impinge inside like equivalent combustion vehicles.
Dynamic Experience – Surefooted Handling from Low-Slung Battery Design
Don‘t think Volvo‘s eco-friendly ambitions exclude driving enjoyment – quite the contrary for the C40 Recharge. Underfloor placement of its large 78 kWh lithium battery pack creates an incredibly low center of gravity. This allows sports sedan-like composure when changing direction.
Paired to standard all-wheel drive courtesy of separate 150 kW front and rear e-motors, impressive grip ensures you stay planted through fast corners. Generous torque vectoring further aids agility – energy can be individually distributed not just front/rear but across the rear wheels too.
Ride quality trends firmer than typical Volvo fare, but avoids harshness over most surfaces. Swift steering response with accurate feel allows placing the C40 precisely on country switchbacks and congested city streets alike. Performance beats most luxury EV rivals while retaining impressive refinement.
Combined Dual Motor Power & Performance
- 402 Horsepower @ 6,500 RPM
- 486 lb-ft torque @ 0 RPM
- 4.7 second 0-62 mph time
- 112 mph top speed
Throttle response sharpens up further in built-in Power Mode too. Despite eco aspirations, driving enthusiasts will still find much to enjoy from the C40 Recharge‘s stiffly-sprung cornering character and near instant acceleration.
Real World Range and Charging Analysis
Officially the C40 Recharge gets 226 miles EPA range. But multiple owners find real-world figures reliably surpassing 250 miles in mild weather when driving conservatively. Only dropping to 200 miles under sustained high-speed use or extreme cold.
This suggests Volvo tunes their range calculations conservatively while most EV makers remain optimistic with estimates. Given C40 battery capacity matches larger rivals like Audi‘s Q4 and BMW‘s iX3, Volvo smartly favors underpromising to ultimately overdeliver.
Real World Range Testing
| Conditions | Reported Avg Range | Notes / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Commute | 250-260 mi | Mixed use, cautious driving [Owner 1] |
| Highway Road Trip | 210-220 mi | 70+ MPH speeds [Out of Spec Reviews] |
| Winter Cold Weather | 190-200 mi | Sub 15°F / Heavy Heat Use [Owner 2] |
The C40 Recharge‘s floor-mounted battery layout does impact cargo flexibility versus some plug-in hybrid pseudo-SUV rivals boasting fold-flat floors. On the plus side, clever packaging still returns decent 29.7 cu ft trunk volume behind rear seats – on par with compact luxury sedans.
Charging also impresses courtesy of standard 11 kW AC capacity, able to replenish 211 miles overnight on suitable Level 2 home equipment. DC fast charging peaks at 185 kW, adding over 90 miles range within just 10 minutes when timed right.
Volvo C40 Recharge Charging Speed Analysis
| Charge Point Standard | Max Charging Rate | 10 Mins | 30 Mins | 60 Mins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 AC J1772 | 1.4 kW | 4 miles | 11 miles | 22 miles |
| Level 2 AC J1772 | 11 kW | 34 miles | 102 miles | 204 miles |
| 150 kW CSS DC | 165 kW | 91 miles | 173 miles | 226 miles |
| 350 kW CCS DC | 165 kW | 91 miles | 173 miles | 226 miles |
So provided owners can routinely tap home or workplace charging, the C40 Recharge proves capable of covering over 200 miles daily in real-world use. DC fast charging significantly extends the envelope for weekend trips or urgent travel too.
Reviewer First Impressions – Style & Tech Excel, But Firm Ride Divides
With cutting-edge interfaces and standout aesthetics in an eco-luxury package, the Volvo C40 Recharge garners positive early reviews. Multiple outlets praise its Google-powered upgrade bringing more capability and smarter features versus previous Volvo (or most competitor) infotainment systems. Reviewers also note the C40‘s striking exterior presentation from that fastback bodystyle.
However ride quality proves surprisingly firm for a Volvo, striking some testers as overly compromised for sportscar-like handling. Others counter that the improved cornering control and stability offset any minor impact harshness penalties. Cargo versatility and rear seat space also suffer slightly due to the tapered roofline‘s style and battery packaging priorities respectively.
But key positives like range, performance and charging add up to a strong first effort for Volvo‘s inaugural bespoke battery-electric vehicle. With plenty of luxury and tech appeal paired to lower emissions, the 2023 C40 Recharge makes a unique statement versus Tesla and old-guard premium brands alike entering the high-end EV crossover segment.
Notable Reviewer Comments
| Publication | What They Liked | Areas for Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Car & Driver | "Quick off the line with a firm, controlled ride" | "Stiff ride and limited rear-seat space" |
| Motortrend | "Beautiful cabin using responsibly-sourced materials" | "Compromised cargo flexibility from battery placement" |
| Edmunds | "Android Automotive OS is slick with increased capability" | "Touchy brake pedal calibration" |
| Roadshow | "Low, sporty driving position with great forward vision over sculpted dash" | "Pricing not as value-oriented as some rivals" |
While ride, space and value concerns stood out among initial critiques, the consensus remains resoundingly positive for Volvo‘s first modern ground-up EV effort. The C40 Recharge sets itself apart on styling and technology fronts while still promising 250+ mile real-world range – hitting multiple targets for next generation electric luxury crossovers.
What Does Volvo‘s Electric Future Hold?
As only their first dedicated battery-electric vehicle, the 2023 C40 Recharge crossover represents just the beginning for Volvo‘s EV ambitions. Multiple additional all-electric models are planned over the next 5 years, including next-gen descendants of today‘s best-selling XC60 and XC90 SUV lines.
Volvo also aims to launch multiple smaller electric vehicles – potentially reviving renowned nameplates like the historic P1800 sport coupe and shooting brake 1800ES. Dedicated EV platforms will allow boosting range and performance further as battery densities improve over time too.
By 2025 Volvo expects over 1 million pure electric vehicles delivered globally. Just 5 years later they plan for their full sales catalogue to become all-electric. That sets an impressive pace for phasing out internal combustion among luxury brands.
Combined with comprehensive carbon reduction initiatives across manufacturing, supply chains and machine learning-enabled design processes, Volvo‘s roadmap instills confidence. Their products balance sustainability with the brand‘s trademark emphasis on cutting edge safety.
For drivers seeking a premium electric vehicle merging eco-luxury with assertive styling, the C40 Recharge delivers a stellar first look at Volvo‘s greener future. An electrified vision embracing technology progression without forgetting their Scandinavian roots in elegance and restraint. One charging ahead rapidly towards an all-electric reality.
