Volvo Cars launches its first ‘pure electric’ EV

Volvo Cars has launched its first model designed as pure electric only – the C40 Recharge – describing it as the latest manifestation of its commitment to a zero-emission future.

The company has previously expressed that 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.

It describes the C40 Recharge as having all the benefits of an SUV but with a lower and sleeker design.

The propulsion consists of twin electric motors, one on the front and one on the rear axle, powered by a 78kWh battery that can be fast-charged to 80% in about 40 minutes. It offers an anticipated range of around 420 km, which is expected to improve over time via over-the-air software updates.

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

“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.”