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VOLVO C40 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2021
Engines: Electric
Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
VOLVO C40 Recharge photo gallery

At the beginning of 2022, Volvo introduced a sportier-looking version of the XC40 Recharge on the market and named it C40 Recharge.

While the XC40 was a regular crossover with an almost vertical tailgate, the C40 was more of a four-door coupe crossover. But both vehicles shared the same underpinnings.

The C40 has a specific shape from the outside, but some parts were shared with its XC40 Recharge sibling. Since there was no need for a larger cooling area, the all-electric C40 Recharge received a curved panel instead of a regular grille. In addition, Volvo installed a choice of light-alloy wheels up to 20" in size. At the front, the car shared the same look as the XC40, but it featured a sloped-down roofline with a tailgate at the back. The specific design of the taillights was emphasized by the rear fenders' shape, with enlarged areas that created the known "Volvo shoulders."

The interior looked similar to the one from the XC40 Recharge. Atop the center stack, the carmaker placed an Android-powered infotainment unit. In addition, Volvo installed a rather tall center console between the front seats, even though it didn't need any room for a gearbox since it didn't feature one. The C40 Recharge offered room for two adult passengers at the back, although the headroom was not as adequate as in the XC40.

Volvo introduced the C40 Recharge with the 402 hp (408 PS) dual electric motor setup that rocketed the EV from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) in less than five seconds.

full description and technical specifications
VOLVO C40 Recharge photo gallery

Volvo announced in 2021 that it would get rid of all its internal combustion-engined vehicles by 2030, and the first step was the XC40 Recharge.

The Swedish carmaker was a pioneer in many areas, safety being only one of them. It wasn't that original when it stated that it would use only electric engines, but nevertheless, it was a bold statement for a carmaker that didn't have any electric vehicle in its lineup. The XC40 Recharge was that step and redefined the way Volvo was seen on the market. Apart from its commitment to safer cars, it was a statement for a green future.

In 2017, Volvo launched the XC40, a crossover built on the CME platform shared with its sibling XC40 Recharge. Unlike its IAC-powered sibling, the XC40 Recharged featured a sloped back with a descending roofline that started from the B-pillars. Its tall rear end with an angled windscreen was dominated by a wing on the trunk's lid and the long red lines that formed the taillights.

Inside, Volvo followed the minimalist design concept with a simple dashboard that sported a portrait-oriented screen for the infotainment system. The navigation and sound system also allowed the driver or the front passenger to access the climate control feature. Strangely, Volvo mentioned the connectivity with Google but didn't say anything about the Apple users. Volvo installed a TFT display for the instrument panel in front of the driver, with configurable options.

Volvo announced before the XC40 Recharge that it would limit all of its cars to 112 mph (180 kph) for safety reasons, and the coupe-like crossover respected that decision. Its 300 hp electric motor was fed by a 78 kWh battery pack that could provide a 261 miles (420 km) range.

full description and technical specifications