5 things to know about the upcoming Volvo C40 Recharge EV

Volvo aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and to be an electric car brand by 2030. So, as only 8 years are left for the luxury carmaker to go fully electric, it is stepping up its EV game all around the world and Malaysia is no exception. 

During the launch of the 2022 XC40 Recharge EV back in March, the Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, Charles Frump, mentioned that the company would be launching one electric car every year for the next five years in the country. Upon exploring the EV models in the pipeline, we get the C40 Recharge as this is the only other pure-electric car Volvo has on offer in the global market so far.

On Volvo Car Malaysia’s official website, we can also find a page to register our interest in the favour of upcoming C40 Recharge along with some preliminary details. Today, we will be discussing the five important things about the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge EV that stand it apart from its competitors. So without further ado, let’s begin.

100% leather-free interior

The interior of the C40 Recharge is a living expression of responsible luxury as it has been created without the use of any leather. Yes, it is the first Volvo model that has a completely leather-free interior. 

Instead of leather trims, the EV is kitted with high-quality sustainable stuff made from bio-based and recycled sources. The bio-based material created by Volvo is Nordico; it consists of textiles made from recycled things, including PET bottles, recycled corks, and bio-attributed material from sustainable forests. 

According to the automaker, the leather-free interior concept is driven by a concern over the negative environmental impacts due to cattle farming and deforestation. 

Up to 450 km electric range

As per Volvo Malaysia's official website, the EV will offer an electric range of up to 450 km. While the automaker is yet to unveil the powertrain setup, the mentioned range indicates a dual-motor P8 AWD system juiced by an underfloor-mounted 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The total system output of the said motor is rated 408 PS along with a peak torque of 660 Nm. However, in other markets, a single-motor setup tied with a 69-kWh battery is also offered.

In terms of performance, the EV will run from nought to 100 kmph in just 4.7 seconds with a limited top speed of 180 kmph. 

Built-in Google 

The C40 Recharge is equipped with one of the best infotainment units on the market, which the automaker developed in collaboration with Google. Based on the Android operating system, the system provides you with Google apps and services built-in, like

• Google Maps: Google Maps is seamlessly integrated with the EV and provides best-in-class navigation with real-time traffic information and automatic rerouting, helping you reach your destination conveniently
• Google Assistant: You can also talk to Google for hands-free help and can easily get directions, enjoy entertainment and stay in touch with family and friends. To get started, you just need to say “Hey Google”
• Google Play: It will let you enjoy all desired apps and services while making every journey more enjoyable and hassle-free

Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating 

As Volvo has always been a proponent of safety, it is no surprise that its each and every single model, including the all-new C40 Recharge EV, has been awarded the perfect 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Crash tested in May 2022, the EV scored especially well in terms of occupant safety and driver assist systems thanks to its most extensive standard safety offerings in the segment. With that said, the safety gears you can find on the C40 Recharge specs sheet are - 

• Seven airbags (side curtains and driver's knee)
• Autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Pilot Assist (adaptive cruise control with lane-centering)
• Front and rear parking sensors with camera
• 360-degree surround-view monitor
• Parking assist
• Oncoming lane mitigation
• Road sign information

Edgier styling

While the front design of the C40 appears quite identical to its sibling, the XC40 Recharge,  the automaker ups the ante with bolder headlights mated to state-of-the-art pixel technology. These are also tapered upwards to derive a slightly angrier face. Moving to the rear, here the upcoming Volvo EV boasts a more dynamic styling with an integrated wing on the tailgate, a fighter jet-style roof spoiler, and distinctive LED tail lights.

Are you excited about the Volvo C40 Recharge EV launch in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Volvo introduces its certified damage repair centre in Malaysia