Volvo Cars has launched a new pure electric model – the first model in the Swedish marque’s history designed as pure electric only.

The launch of the new Volvo C40 Recharge model comes just hours after announcing the company would become a fully electric car maker by 2030.

The future of Volvo Cars is electric and the new Volvo C40 Recharge is the latest manifestation of its commitment to a zero-emission future.

The C40 Recharge will go into production in the third quarter of this year and will be built alongside the XC40 Recharge at the Volvo Cars manufacturing plant in Ghent, Belgium. The first examples of the new model are expected to arrive in New Zealand from the second half of 2022.

Ben Montgomery, Volvo NZ general manager, says the new model will be a welcome addition to their vehicle range. 

“Based on the CMA vehicle platform, the C40 builds on the popularity of the XC40 and will be aimed at a younger demographic - providing them with all the benefits of an SUV but with a lower and sleeker design.

“In line with our sustainability objectives, the C40 will be the first Volvo model to be completely leather-free,” he said.

Following the introduction of the XC40 Recharge and now the C40 Recharge, Volvo Cars will roll out several additional electric models in coming years.

Already by 2025, it aims for 50 per cent of its global sales volume to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest hybrids. By 2030, it plans for every car it sells to be pure electric.

“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.”

The rear of the C40 Recharge features a striking rear-end design to go with the lower roofline, while the new front design introduces a new face for electric Volvos and includes headlights with state-of-the-art pixel-technology.

Inside, the C40 Recharge provides customers with the high seating position that most Volvo drivers prefer, while it is available with a range of colour and deco options unique to the model. 

Like the XC40 Recharge, 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 will receive software updates over the air. That means it will continue to improve over time after it has left the factory.

The propulsion consists of twin electric motors, one on the front and one on the rear axle, powered by a 78kWh battery that can be fast-charged to 80 per cent in about 40 minutes. It offers an anticipated range of around 420 km, which is expected to improve over time via over-the-air software updates.