Volvo C40 and XC40 get more range, faster charging and RWD

Volvo has updated its fully electric C40 coupé crossover and XC40 Recharge SUV with a package of updates that enhance range and charging times while adding in new rear-wheel-drive variants.

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Introduced for the new model year, the revisions increase range by as much as 41 miles (66km) on some variants and address two questions the carmaker gets frequently asked about the models, namely how far they can travel on a single charge and how long they take to charge.

The updates, which support Volvo’s plans to go EV-only by 2030, also include rear-wheel-drive variants – the brand’s first RWD products in 25 years – as well as a revised all-wheel-drive performance model.

The line-up for both models now starts with the single-motor standard-range RWD models which are driven by a 238hp electric motor, which delivers a 3% increase in power output over the outgoing 231hp front-wheel-drive variant.

In the case of the XC40 Recharge single motor, it retains the same 69kWh battery capacity but with latest enhancements in cooling efficiency that mean it can now deliver increased WLTP range of 286 miles (461km), compared with 264 miles (425km) before.

The WLTP range of the C40 Recharge single motor is also increased and now stands at 296 miles (476km) from 272 miles (438km) before. Charging time has also been cut and a 10-80% charge takes some 34 minutes using a 130kW DC public charger.

A more powerful and longer-range powertrain is also available for the single-motor extended-range variants offered in markets excluding the UK. It uses an 82kWh battery pack with a 252hp e-motor on the rear axle, boosting range up to 320 miles (515km) for the XC40 Recharge and up to 331 miles (533km) for the C40 Recharge.

Charging power is also improved here as the larger battery pack enables a top rate of 200kW DC (previously 150kW DC), cutting the 10-80% charge time to around 28 minutes.

The all-wheel-drive variants get similar updates, also boosting range. Instead of the former 204hp motors on the front and rear axles, these now use an in-house-developed 249hp e-motor on the rear axle and a new 159hp electric motor on the front.

Paired up with an 82kWh battery pack and overall efficiency improvements in battery cooling, the new configuration means the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD can now drive up to 311 miles (500km) on a single charge, up 39 miles (62km) than before. The range of the C40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD rises to 315 miles (507km) from 280 miles (451km.

Volvo has also employed various exterior updates to help drive efficiency, such as new, more aerodynamic 19-inch alloy wheel for both models.

“These updates are another big step in our work towards becoming a fully electric car maker by 2030,” said Javier Varela, chief operating officer and deputy chief executive. “Range and charging times are new key factors for more and more of our customers, and these improvements make our fully electric models even more attractive than they already were.”

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.