Volvo has rolled out a set of updates for its C40 and XC40 Recharge electric SUVs, increasing their range and lowering their charge time.
The model range now features three new powertrains that include two new single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configurations, and a revised dual-motor performance model. This marks the first time in 25 years that Volvo has sold cars with rear-wheel-drive.
The C40, which is essentially the same car but with a more aerodynamic roofline that slopes downwards at the rear, has had its range increased to 476 km (295 miles) with the 69 kWh battery. For both of these cars, charging from 10 to 80 percent at a 130 kW charger takes a claimed 34 minutes.
Volvo has also updated the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variants of C40 and XC40. The cars previously used a pair of 150 kW motors, but these have been replaced by a 183 kW permanent magnet motor at the rear and a 117 kW asynchronous motor at the front. Both are new and developed in-house, the company says.
Exterior updates for the new cars include new 19-inch wheels that help to reduce drag with a more aerodynamic design. The XC40 Recharge starts at £46,505 or £729 a month, and the C40 Recharge starts at £48,355 or £699 a month.
