VOLVO C40 RECHARGE

A MORE PERT STATEMENT OF SWEDES’ ELECTRIC INTENT

- DANIEL GARDNER

Model Volvo C40 Recharge

Motors Dual (front + rear axle)

Battery 78kWh

Max power 300kW

Max torque 660Nm

Transmission Single speed reduction

Weight 2207kg 0-100km/h 4.7sec (claimed)

Economy 20.7kWh/100km Price $79,990 (estimated)

On sale Q4 2022

FOR A COMPANY that has been foretelling the end of combustion powered cars longer than most, Volvo has taken a surprisingly long time to bring its first pure-electric model to market. The statement of intent started with the cull of all piston engines comprising more than four cylinders, then any that happened to displace more that 2.0 litres got the chop. Next, the electrification gene was administered in the form of plug-in hybrids, paving the way for full-fat EVs to succeed petrol and diesel for good.

But despite the beads of sweat forming on the forehead of Volvo’s combustion engine, it was only last year that the first battery powered Volvo finally made its debut.