In a series of announcements earlier in the week, Volvo Cars rolled out plans to phase out its internal combustion engine-powered products and transition into a provider of all-electric vehicles that consumers can purchase online—and it introduced a new EV (electric vehicle). The new C40 Recharge SUV is an all-electric follow-up to its first all-electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge.
“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.”
Among the distinguishing features of the XC40 Recharge are a newly designed rear end, which lines up with a lower roofline than the XC40 Recharge, and a new front end design Volvo says will serve as the new face of its EV portfolio.
Although the C40 Recharge is designed to carry a slightly sleeker, lower profile than its sibling, it still features a high seating position for driver and passenger. It also offers completely unique interior color and trim options, and it is Volvo’s first model to be completely leather-free.
The infotainment system was jointly developed with Google and based on the Android operating system. It provides consumers with built-in Google apps and services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. The C40 Recharge also features over-the-air update capability, which Volvo claims will enable the vehicle to “improve over time.”
The C40 Recharge powertrain consists of twin electric motors, one mounted on each axle, powered by a 78-kW·h battery that can be fast-charged to 80% in as little time as 40 min. It offers an anticipated range of around 420 km (260 mi), which is also expected to improve over time via over-the-air software updates.
Volvo says it plans to roll out several additional electric vehicle models in the coming years, and it aims to increase its global EV sales to 50% by 2025—complemented by 50% of sales in hybrids. The company also announced its ultimate goal of an all-EV lineup by 2030.
“There is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine,” said Green. “We are firmly committed to becoming an electric-only car maker, and the transition should happen by 2030. It will allow us to meet the expectations of our customers and be a part of the solution when it comes to fighting climate change.”
Volvo also announced it is moving the EV buying experience for its customers exclusively online. As part of a new commercial strategy, Volvo Cars will invest heavily in its online sales channels, radically reduce complexity in its product offerings, and provide transparent and set pricing models as it rolls out an all-electric family of vehicles over the next few years.
“To remain successful, we need profitable growth. So instead of investing in a shrinking business, we choose to invest in the future—electric and online,” said Håkan Samuelsson, Chief Executive Officer. “We are fully focused on becoming a leader in the fast-growing premium electric segment.”
“The future of Volvo Cars is defined by three pillars: electric, online, and growth,” said Lex Kerssemakers, head of global commercial operations. “We want to offer our customers peace of mind and a care-free way of having a Volvo by taking away complexity while getting and driving the car. Simplification and convenience are key to everything we do.”
When buying an electric Volvo online, consumers will also receive a customer care package that includes items such as service, warranty, roadside assistance, insurance where available, and home charging options.
On its flagship online store, volvocars.com, the company plans to simplify the process for and reduce the number of steps involved in, signing up for an electric Volvo. Customers will be able to choose from pre-configured electric Volvos ready for simple ordering and delivery.
