C40 Recharge

Make
Volvo
Segment
SUV

Volvo has officially announced updates to the 2024 model year all-electric Volvo C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge.

In both cases, the range has been increased. The improvements are due to two new powertrains, which add a new optional dynamic to Volvo cars not seen for the last 25 years. Single-motor cars will be rear-wheel drive. According to Volvo, using rear-wheel drive improves the range without compromising the safety and security of the car's driving dynamics. The last RWD Volvo was the 900 Series, in production from 1990 to 1998.

For those wanting all-wheel-drive, the other option is still a dual-motor setup using the new in-house developed motors.

"These updates are another big step in our work towards becoming a fully electric car maker by 2030," said Javier Varela, chief operating officer and deputy chief executive at Volvo Cars. "Range and charging times are new key factors for more and more of our customers, and these improvements make our fully electric models even more attractive than they already were."

The new Single Motor Extended Range C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge use a 248-horsepower permanent magnet e-motor on the rear axle with an 82kWh battery pack. This more energy-dense battery and efficient motor combination allow the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge to reach up to 297 and 293 miles of range, respectively.

Charging the car from 10-80 percent takes approximately 28 minutes using a 200 kW DC charger.

The Twin Motor all-wheel drive versions have a 255-hp electric motor on the rear axle and a new 147-hp asynchronous electric motor at the front. As the asynchronous motor does not require a constant electrical charge, the new drivetrain only engages the front-axle drive motor when it's needed.

The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD can now travel up to 254 miles, 21 miles further than the outgoing version (when it's not being cut apart). The C40 Recharge Twin Motor can now reach up to 257 miles on a full charge, up from 226 miles.

Both vehicles also get exterior updates with aerodynamic improvements to help range, including new 19-inch alloy wheels that help reduce drag. The C40 announced a new era for Volvo, and we love it, so this should take things up to a new level.