By Brian Armstead
The future of Volvo Cars is electric, and the new Volvo C40 Recharge is the latest manifestation of its commitment to zero emissions. By 2025, Volvo’s goal is for half its global sales volume to consist of fully-electric cars, and the other half, hybrids. By 2030, it plans for every car it sells to be pure electric.
Year-to-date sales numbers indicate Volvo’s strategy is trending in a positive direction for the iconic Swedish brand, currently owned by Chinese company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, as Volvo has tripled sales of its Recharge models over previous years.
For the 2022 model year, if the new C40 Recharge is any indication of the performance, safety and quality of Volvo full-electric models, then the future of the brand looks bright.
Brussels and Ghent in Belgium served as the stunning backdrop for the drive of the 2022 C40 Recharge, the perfect destination given the fact that the car is built alongside the XC40 Recharge at the Volvo’s Ghent manufacturing facility.
Exterior
The C40 Recharge has all the benefits of an SUV, but with a lower and sleeker design. Think XC40 SUV, with the so-called “four-door coupe” execution.
The overall look works, as the long hood and sloping roof line that flows into a high, shorter rear section makes the C40 look aggressive, with a plus to the handsome 20-inch alloy wheels that don’t scream “this is an electric car” for accentuating the overall sport-Ute like height of the vehicle.
Interior
Inside, the C40 Recharge provides customers with the high seating position that most Volvo drivers prefer. It is also the first Volvo model to be completely leather-free. All interiors are black, although you can get color-coordinated door cards. Overhead, a full glass panoramic roof gives the interior an open, airy feel.
The infotainment system is based on Android with Google apps and services built-in, such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store. Apple Car Play will be available in the near future. The 12.3-inch driver display and 9-inch center touch screen provide all pertinent information, and the center screen is voice- and touch-enabled. Over-the-air software updates can be scheduled or set to download automatically.
The interior is welcoming for big and tall folks, at least up front. The sloping roof relegates shorter folks to the rear row of this five-seater.
The C40 Recharge offers decent cargo capacity (rear hatch with seats folded and front “frunk”), and a maximum towing capacity of 2000 pounds.
Drive experience
Full-electric vehicles offer a silent thrust that is infinitely addictive. The dual motor AWD P8 drivetrain in the C40 is good for a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, and 225 miles of range. Range totals are expected by Volvo to improve over time via the new Range Assistant app, which allows for over-the-air software updates to the battery management system, increased regeneration performance, and enhanced battery preconditioning. The 78 kWh battery pack can be quick charged to 80% in just 40 minutes. Power output is 402 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque.
Cost: $58,750, before federal and state tax incentives. There is a $1,095 destination charge.
Range: Volvo-estimated 225 miles.
Safety: It’s a Volvo!
Things to know: Volvo C40 Recharge is the first pure electric vehicle from Volvo.
Pros:
- Superfast acceleration
- Ride quality is outstanding
- C40 Recharge’s “Convenient Care” standard consumer package includes 250 kW of DC fast charging with Electrify America
Cons:
- Range is not as high as some competitors.
- Coupe-like body means less rear-seat headroom.
- It’s fairly expensive considering its size.
