What’s happening: Volvo’s technical updates to its C40 and XC40 Recharge electric vehicles (EVs) have resulted in considerable improvements in driving range and energy efficiency, surpassing initial expectations. Both models now have increased driving range by up to 64 miles and improved energy efficiency up to 3.7 miles per kWh.
Why it matters: These improvements reflect Volvo’s commitment to offering a fully electric car lineup by 2030 and refining the technology in its existing EV models. The increased range and efficiency will make these vehicles more appealing to potential customers, as they can offer better real-world performance and meet the needs of a wider range of consumers.
Key points:
- The C40 Recharge now has a driving range of up to 342 miles, while the XC40 Recharge can cover up to 334 miles on a full charge.
- Energy efficiency improvements have been achieved through various enhancements, including switching from front- to rear-wheel drive for single-motor Recharge versions, adopting a second-generation permanent magnet electric motor, and improving battery cooling efficiency.
- The dual-motor C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin models now have increased battery capacity, with a nominal 82kWh (79kWh usable capacity), up from 78kWh (75kWh usable) in the outgoing versions.
- Both the C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin models also feature different front and rear e-motors, with 150hp and 258hp respectively, replacing the previous 204hp units on both axles.
- The maximum charging rate for the C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin all-wheel-drive models has increased from 150kW to 200kW, reducing the 10 to 80% recharging time by nine minutes, now taking just 28 minutes when using a 200kW DC rapid-charging system.
Bottom line: The updated Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge models showcase significant improvements in driving range and energy efficiency, making them more attractive options for potential EV buyers. With the first UK deliveries expected in the second half of the year, these updates demonstrate Volvo’s dedication to developing and refining electric vehicle technology in its quest to offer a fully electric lineup by 2030.
