2022 Volvo C40 single-motor variant announced

UPDATE, March 7, 2022: Volvo has given its fully-electric C40 small SUV a new variant for 2022.

Heading into the second quarter of the year, the C40 line-up has now expanded to two grades with the addition of a single-motor variant to be sold alongside the dual-motor Recharge, having entered production for Europe in October last year.

The less powerful single-motor grade will feature a smaller capacity battery, dropping to 69kWh from 76kWh, but boasts a higher WLTP driving range, eeking out 434 kilometres on a charge compared to the dual-motor's 420 kilometres.

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A smaller battery pack also means faster charging, with Volvo claiming the 69kWh unit can go from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 32 minutes – eight minutes less than the larger 76kWh lithium-ion battery.

The UK arm of the Swedish manufacturer has said the first deliveries can be expected around the third quarter of 2022 – roughly the same time as when the dual-motor C40 is anticipated to launch in Australia.

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The story to here

October 8, 2021: The latest electric offering from Swedish manufacturer Volvo has entered production, with the C40 Recharge currently working its way down the production line.

Built at Volvo's plant in Ghent, Belgium, the C40 is a coupe-style SUV which is solely powered by a battery-electric powertrain, as opposed to the internal combustion engine, mild-hybrid and PHEV variants of its XC40 sibling.

Its 78kWh battery pack provides power to two electric motors, one for each axle, while delivering an estimated driving range of up to 420 kilometres – charging up to 80 per cent in around 40 minutes.

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Javier Varela, Senior Vice President for Industrial Operations and Quality at Volvo Cars, said the C40 Recharge is an important vehicle for the manufacturer as it gears up to go electric-only by 2030.

“The C40 Recharge is a car that represents our future,” said Varela.

“Our manufacturing operations and a close collaboration with our suppliers are key in achieving our future ambitions in terms of electrification and climate neutrality. Our Ghent plant is ready for an all-electric future and will be an important part of our global industrial network for the years to come.”

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The C40 Recharge has previously been green-lit for Australia in late 2022, joining the XC40 Recharge as Volvo's only all-electric options amongst its line-up of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

Debuting Volvo's new pixel technology headlights, the C40 Recharge will also feature the carmaker's new infotainment operating system, which was developed with Google, providing in-built apps such as Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play.

In the United Kingdom the C40 Recharge is available from £57,400 (AU$107,000).