The Volvo C40 Recharge is the first model in the company's history to be designed as pure electric only. The C40 Recharge is based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), an advanced platform co-developed within the Geely Group which provides Volvo with the necessary economies of scale for this segment.
This Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Fjord Blue was unveiled at a VIP preview event on Feb 25 to provide an exclusive opportunity to experience the new model before its first public appearance in March at the Bangkok International Motor Show.
Design
The CMA platform was intended specifically for compact crossover coupes to meet the driver’s emotions and distinctiveness. The rear of the C40 Recharge features a striking design to go with the lower roofline, while the front design introduces a new face for electric Volvos and includes headlights with state-of-the-art pixel technology.
In the cabin, the Pure Electric offers a high seating position, which is favoured by many Volvo drivers, as well as a variety of distinctive colour and décor options. It is also the first Volvo to be completely leather-free.
The roofline of the crossover has been lowered to imitate the shape of a coupe, and the patch-style taillights complement the main light panel behind the car to precisely express a mix of modern and traditional design elements. The Aero Optimised Spoiler Panel enhances the attraction and appeal of the Pure Electric while also enhancing balance and road grip.
The front retains the identity of a Volvo, with a body-coloured cover grille adorned with the Volvo emblem. It is elegant and minimal, as is typical of Scandinavian design.
Performance
The Pure Electric has an all-wheel-drive system that produces up to 408hp and 660Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100kph in just 4.7secs. It is expected to have a range of roughly 500km per full charge using a battery that can be charged to 80% in around 37 minutes. The Pure Electric employs one-pedal drive technology to help accelerate and stop the vehicle, and it can go without hitting the start button.
Safety and Technology
With a 500kg battery but no combustion engine, the C40 Recharge’s body structure is designed to absorb even more crash energy than an equivalent car with an ICE. The battery is protected by a safety cage, which consists of a frame of extruded aluminium and has been embedded in the middle of the car’s body structure, creating a built-in crumple zone around it. The battery’s placement on the floor of the car also has the benefit of lowering the centre of gravity for better protection against roll-overs. At the rear, the electric powertrain has been integrated into the body structure to realise a better distribution of collision forces away from the cabin. The C40 Recharge is also equipped with Volvo’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, a modern, scalable active safety system that consists of an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors.
Infotainment
The C40 Recharge comes with one of the best infotainment systems on the market, jointly developed with Google and based on the Android operating system. It provides consumers with Google apps and services built-in, such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store.
Unlimited data enables superior connectivity and the C40 Recharge can receive software updates over the air. This means it will continue to improve over time after it has left the factory, keeping continuously up to date with the latest technology.
The “Topography Translucent Decor” front console is inspired by the landscape of the Swedish mountains and is applied to three layers of various materials, creating a three-dimensional image of the glowing surface that adds to the cabin’s uniqueness.
The C40 Recharge Pure Electric is priced at 2.75 million baht.
Keyword: Pure electric, still pure Volvo