Volvo's Concept Recharge is a Blueprint For the Brand's EV Future

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Volvo doesn't think the recent push into the world of electric vehicles is a fad. The automaker previously stated that it's interested in becoming an all-electric brand as early as 2030. Taking a peek at Volvo's current all-electric lineup may not fill one with confidence, as Volvo only has two electric cars on sale, but the brand has a lot in store. To give everyone a preview of what's to come, the automaker came out with the Concept Recharge, which "is a manifesto for the next generation of all-electric Volvos."

No Engine Means More Space

For a concept, the Concept Recharge seems to be nearly ready for production. That's because Volvo used its mantra of "less but better." From a style standpoint, removing the internal combustion engine allowed the brand's designers to increase interior space, improve efficiency, and come up with a look that doesn't look busy. Of course, the Concept Recharge sports Thor's Hammer headlight design, a grilleless front end, and vertical taillights with a modern twist.  

The battery pack allows Volvo to make sure the Concept Recharge has a long wheelbase and shorter overhangs, highlighting the vehicle's spacious cabin. Getting into the cabin is an enjoyable occasion, as the concept features suicide doors. Once inside, the Concept Recharge shares a similar to modern Volvos with a minimalist take on a luxury vehicle. The materials are sustainably sourced and the wood trim is backlight.

Of course, this being a concept vehicle, it's packed with high-end tech features. A vertically oriented 15-inch touchscreen takes up the most real estate on the dashboard, while a small digital instrument screen sits immediately in front of the steering wheel. Volvo claims the infotainment system comes with the brand's next-gen connected infotainment system that promises to be intuitive to use and more logically laid out than other high-tech infotainment systems.

Look For Cues On The Next EV

The Concept Recharge being a Volvo, it wouldn't be a vehicle from the brand if it wasn't packed with a ton of safety features. The electric vehicle features a new LiDAR sensor from Luminar that's placed atop of its windshield. The LiDAR sensor matches Volvo's plan to add LiDAR to the new XC90 that will be offered with an electric powertrain. The new LiDAR system is Volvo's way of making strides to improve its autonomous safety features.

"With the Concept Recharge we continue the rich roots of Volvo's design DNA in a modern and fresh way as we move into our all-electric future," said Robin Page, head of design at Volvo. "It represents everything we believe customers expect from a pure electric Volvo and we're excited to take this philosophy into our next generation of cars."

While Volvo won't come out with a production version of the Concept Recharge, some elements will certainly be found on the brand's upcoming EVs. A new flagship electric vehicle called the XC90, will come out next year. Volvo's first EV, the XC40 Recharge, went on sale earlier this year, while the second C40 Recharge will be available 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