By Khulekani Dumisa

Volvo has taken covers off its new Volvo C40 SUV Coupe. The zero-emission vehicle joins the all-electric XC40 Recharge (which is coming to South Africa) in Volvo’s all-electric line-up. The vehicles will lead the company’s commitment to reducing its emissions to zero. 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.

Looks

The C40 Recharge looks mostly like the XC40 but with a lower and sleeker design. It is based on the CMA vehicle platform and the first Volvo model in history designed as pure electric only.

The rear of the C40 Recharge features a striking rear-end design dominated by unique rear lights to go with the lower roof line, while the new front design introduces a new face for electric Volvos and includes head lights with state-of-the-art pixel-technology.

Inside

Like the XC40 Recharge, the C40 Recharge comes an infotainment systems 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.

The C40 Recharge is also the first Volvo model to be completely leather-free.

Range

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 while fast-charging with 150 kW outlet. It offers an anticipated range of around 420 km according to the WLTP cycle, which is expected to improve over time via over-the-air software updates.

Like the XC40 Recharge, the C40 Recharge gets a combined output of 300 kW and 660 Nm of torque. The performance is identical, needing 4.7 seconds for the 0-60 mph run before topping out 180 km/h.

Availability

The fully electric C40 Recharge will be available online only.

Meanwhile, South Africa will be getting launching the XC40 Recharge locally. According to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa. “While launch plans for the Volvo C40 Recharge in the South African market have yet to be finalised, I am pleased to announce we will be bringing the XC40 Recharge, our first all-electric car, to this country this year. It is a very important step in our plans,” says Maruszewski