By Staff Reporter

Volvo has made it known that it intends to make fully-electric cars 50% of its global sales by 2025, with the remaining 50% consisting of hybrid. The new all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge heralds a major move towards that strategy.

Exterior and interior looks

Like most modern EVs, the all-electric credentials of the XC40 are barely noticeable on the outside save for the fact that the grille is now closed except for a small slit at the bottom. The lower fascia, mirror caps and roof are all blacked out to add some contrast and sportiness to the car. The car is also available in a new Sage Green colour. From a practicality point of view, the lack of an internal combustion engine has freed up some space in the bonnet for luggage.

Inside, the car remains mostly the same with the introduction of the Android powered infotainment making an appearance. The system offers Google Assistant, Google Maps as well as the Google Play Store, and is upgradable remotely via updates.

Power and performance

The new Volvo XC40 Recharge is powered by electric motors that make 340 kW of power and allow a 0-100 km/h sprint of just 4,8 seconds. The car has an estimated range of over 400 kilometers in the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) test cycle and can be charged up to 80% capacity in 40 minutes using a fast charger.

Local availability is yet to be announced.