2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Adds Fun to Automaker's Electric Future

Characterizing the new 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge as both fun and reflective of the automaker's future, Anders Gustafsson, president and CEO of Volvo Car USA, said the new electric vehicle embodies Volvo's strategy in years to come.

By 2025, half of all Volvos sold globally will be electric. The company has confirmed that it will discontinue the use of internal combustion engines by 2030. Now, starting with the 2022 C40 Recharge, Volvo will transition to an online retail model in partnership with its dealers and within the confines of laws and regulations.

The first purely electric model Volvo has ever made, the new 2022 C40 Recharge will be sold only online, for non-negotiable prices, and in specific color, trim, and equipment combinations that simplify manufacturing while meeting the requirements and expectations of the company's customers.

Based on the same platform and electric drive system as the XC40 Recharge, the C40 Recharge is new from the windshield pillars back. Its lower, faster roofline combines with all-wheel drive and a tall stance to present a look similar to existing SUV coupes. But Volvo doesn't call the C40 Recharge a coupe. Or a crossover, for that matter. Instead, the company emphasizes the new C40's style, utility, and electric powertrain, letting its customers define the EV.

Powered by front and rear electric motors and a 78-kWh battery, the C40 Recharge supplies an estimated 210 miles of driving range based on EPA calculation methodologies. Volvo says it expects to "improve range over time via over-the-air software updates."

Expect the C40 Recharge to match its XC40 sibling in terms of its 402-horsepower output and 4.7-second acceleration time to 60 mph. It is suitable for towing, too, with a maximum rating of 2,000 pounds. When maximizing range is a driver's goal, the C40 Recharge's one-pedal driving system helps extend battery charge.

While most owners will recharge the C40 at home, the EV is compatible with DC fast chargers up to 150 kW, commonly available through Volvo's charging network partner, Chargepoint, and its affiliates. Volvo says it takes a maximum of 40 minutes to recharge the battery to 80% capacity using a 150-kW charger. At home, using an 11-kW charger, it should take eight hours to reach a full charge.

Among the C40 Recharge firsts, it is the first Volvo equipped with pixel-technology headlights that reduce glare for oncoming drivers and feature a friendly welcoming sequence as the owner approaches the vehicle. In the back, familiar Volvo-signature taillights frame the rear window glass using an expressive cut-line illumination pattern.

Inside, the C40 Recharge's cabin is 100% animal-free. The seats are wrapped in Nubuck textile upholstery, and traditional leather is not available. As an upgrade, buyers can select a C40 with a new blue interior accent color with subtle backlighting and decorative panels inspired by topographical maps. Volvo says the combination of blue, gray, and white hues with this interior treatment reflects the automaker's Scandinavian home.

Though the C40 Recharge's fast roofline reduces cargo space, the trunk offers 14.6 cubic feet of capacity behind the rear seat. Under the hood, a front trunk (frunk) is best used for items the owner infrequently requires. Volvo also includes plenty of storage space within the cabin. Highlights include the trash bin and glove compartment hook from the XC40 Recharge.

The Google Android operating system for the C40's instrumentation and infotainment system also emphasizes convenience with its natural voice recognition and responsive digital assistant. Volvo delivers over-the-air updates to the vehicle through a lifetime data plan.

The C40 Recharge is always "on," too. Similar to how your smartphone works, when you approach the EV, it wakes up, activates all systems, and is ready to drive. There is no start and stop button in this vehicle because it's not necessary.

Every 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge includes a Care by Volvo package covering maintenance, wear-and-tear items (except for the tires), software updates, roadside assistance, and more. Customers can buy the EV or subscribe to it, and Volvo will assist owners with finding a provider to install a home charging station.

Volvo is accepting C40 Recharge orders now. The EV enters production in Ghent, Belgium, in the fall of 2021 and arrives in the U.S. in early 2022.