Volvo Expands Electric Lineup With 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Volvo's made some major announcements recently. The Swedish luxury brand announced that it will be an electric-only automaker by 2030. At the same time, the automaker is looking to move sales to be online only. Sound familiar? This is exactly what has made Tesla such a dominant force in today's market. Volvo's dead serious about its claims, though, as the automaker just announced its second electric vehicle: the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge.


Volvo's Latest EV Arrives


The C40 Recharge follows the same recipe as other coupe-like SUVs on the market, adopting a more athletic roofline and sporty design elements to stand out against the XC40 Recharge. Volvo claims that this is the first electric vehicle that it has designed from the beginning to be an EV. It's also Volvo's first vehicle that won't be available with a gas-powered powertrain. 


Underneath the sporty body, the C40 Recharge shares its platform with the XC40 Recharge. The SUV features a 78-kWh battery pack and an electric motor at both ends. Combined output is rated at 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. The XC40 Recharge and the C40 Recharge both share the same top speed of 112 mph and zero-to-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. The EPA hasn't conducted testing on the C40 Recharge yet, but Volvo is claiming a range of 210 miles. The XC40 Recharge carries a rating of 208 miles by the EPA. When it comes to charging, plugging the C40 Recharge into a DC fast charger results in getting 80% of range back in 40 minutes.


From the outside, the C40 Recharge's sharp roofline, is the largest design element between Volvo's two Recharge models. Of course, the liftback shape means less cargo area and since the vehicle measures in at roughly three inches shorter in height compared to the XC40 Recharge, we're sure there's less rear headroom, too.


What Makes The C40 Important


On the inside, the C40 Recharge is Volvo's first EV to come with a completely leather-free interior. It also features a new Android Automotive-based infotainment system that brings built-in Google applications. The system also brings over-the-air software updates.


The C40 Recharge is important for a few reasons. One, it's Volvo's second electric vehicle and secondly, it will be the first vehicle that will showcase the automaker's new online-sales model. While the automaker didn't provide any information on the online process, we're sure customers will have to visit Volvo's site or visit a dealer to place an order online.


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


With its sweeping design, we expect the C40 Recharge to cost more than the XC40 Recharge and should start somewhere in the neighborhood of $60,000. The vehicle will be built at Volvo's facility in Ghent, Belgium alongside the XC40 Recharge. The C40 Recharge is expected to go on sale in the U.S. before the end of the year.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods