Recharge Revolution

Around the same time, Volvo will also launch the C40 Recharge, which has similar practical attributes to the SUV, but with a lower, sleeker body style. The development of the C40 Recharge has been electrified from the ground up.

The XC40 Recharge promises everything customers expect from a Volvo, with the addition of a state-of-the art, fully electric all-wheel drive powertrain that offers a range of up to 450km (NEDC) on a single charge and output of 300kW.

The battery charges to 80% of its capacity in 40 minutes on a fast-charger system. The XC40 P6 Single Motor starts from $83,900 plus ORCs, with the P8 Dual Motor model starting from $97,900 plus ORCs.

Meanwhile, the C40 will be based on the CMA vehicle platform shared with the Polestar brand and is the first Volvo model in history designed as pure electric only.

Following the introduction of the XC40 Recharge and now the C40 Recharge, Volvo Cars will roll out several additional electric models in coming years.

Already by 2025, it aims for 50 per cent of its global sales volume to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest hybrids. By 2030, it plans for every car it sells to be pure electric.

The rear of the C40 Recharge features a striking rear-end design to go with the lower roof line, while the new front design introduces a new face for electric Volvos. The Volvo C40 Recharge will be offered as a P6 Single Motor starting from $85,900 plus ORCs, and a P8 Dual Motor model starting from $100,900 plus ORCs.

Both Recharge models come with an infotainment system jointly developed with Google and based on the Android operating system. It provides owners with Google apps and services built directly into the car, such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store.

Volvo Cars plan to launch a fully electric car every year until 2023 is well underway, as it seeks to make pure electric models 50% of its global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrid models.