2021 Volvo C40 Recharge out now; full details uncovered

Finally, a new electric car has arrived in the global auto alley - the 2021 Volvo C40 Recharge. This one is a pure electric car that underpins the automaker’s CMA platform, the same platform on which the recently-launched XC40 sits. Before we get into the details, it is crucial to know that the C40 Recharge is the first Volvo in history which is designed to be a PURE EV.

Henrik Green, Volvo chief technology officer said, “The C40 Recharge represents the future of Volvo and shows where we are going. 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.”

Now, let’s jump into the C40 Recharge details, starting with the design language.

2021 Volvo C40 Recharge Design

As mentioned above, the C40 Recharge is the brand’s first pure EV, there’s bound to be more first-timers. For instance, the C40 Recharge is the first to benefit from Volvo’s new pure EV front face. It is limited only to the brand’s EV models.

In the C40, Volvo has tweaked the front design a bit, while most of it remains identical, the grille looks simplified. The solid panel blends seamlessly into the curves of the bonnet and bumper, which is not the case with XC40. Limited casing assures better airflow over and above the EV, however, the little gap beneath the logo is retained for cooling purposes. As for the contour lines, they look far nether than the ones on the XC40, also the LED headlights
Benefit from state-of-the-art technology and taper upward, giving the EV an angrier face.

On the side, the C40 resembles the XC40 very much, we see the same side moulding, side mirrors. The A-pillar, however, is more rounded and roof rails are dropped in favour of aerodynamics. The C40 brings back the sloping roofline, it was last seen on the C30.
The EV rolls on 20-inch aero-optimized wheels wrapped in 255/40 tyres.

The rear benefits from rear haunches (identical to the XC40), full-LED tail lights, fighter jet-style roof spoiler, and tailgate with integrated wing.

2021 Volvo C40 interior

On the inside, the C40 is identical to the XC40, however, it is offered in several colours and decor options (some are exclusive to the EV). Talking about the first elements, it is the first Volvo model to be completely leather-free, man-made alternatives are used instead.

The central dashboard houses an Android-based head unit, the same that was introduced in 2019 in Volvo XC40 EV. It will let drivers and passengers access Google Play store applications like Google Assistant and Google Maps and other Google services.

Furthermore, every C40 Recharge will be accompanied by unlimited data and it supports over-the-air updates.

2021 Volvo C40 powertrain

The all-new C40 is powered by the same electric motor setup that powers the XC40 Recharge. So, the power system consists of two electric motors, each powering an axel. Though Volvo hasn’t disclosed any output figures yet, we believe them to tally the XC40 Recharge figures, i.e., 408 PS of power and 660 Nm of peak torque. It also shares XC40’s 78 kWh lithium-ion battery, but in C40 it offers 20 km more range on a single charge, i.e., 420 km. Volvo further claims the range can be improved further with the OTA software update.

Coming to performance, Volvo recently limited the top-speed of all its models to 180 kmph and the C40 Recharge is no different. As for the 0 to 100 kmph sprint, the EV will take 5 seconds to cover the distance.

As for charging, AC charging uses a type 2 connection that when plugged into an 11kW three-phase output takes 7.5 hours to full-charge the EV. Fast charging can be done via 150 kW DC outlets that in 40 minutes will charge the battery from 0 to 80 percent.

2021 Volvo C40 production & purchase details

The C40 Recharge will enter production in the third quarter of 2021 and will be manufactured side-by-side the XC40 Recharge at the automaker’s manufacturing plant in Ghent, Belgium.

Coming to purchase details, to achieve its climate-neutral goal by 2040, Volvo has decided to sell all its electric cars via online medium. It will limit the complexity of product offerings and promote price transparency.

Also Read: Volvo launched a ‘Used Car Locator’ for certified pre-owned cars