South Africa bound all-electric new Volvo C40 Recharge makes silent debut

Fresh after announcing its decision to become an all-electric marque by 2030, Volvo has taken the wraps off of its second dedicated battery powered electric vehicle, the C40 Recharge.

The first Volvo model to sport the C designation since the C30 went out of production eight years ago, the C40 rates as a coupe-styled version of the XC40 on which it is also based, complete with a restyled rear facia, sloping roofline and a frameless sealed-off grille.

Debuting is the brand’s pixel technology LED headlights and over the air updates for the tablet-like Sensus Connect touchscreen infotainment system.

Volvo C40 Recharge

Despite not divulging details about the C40’s dimensions or indeed any aspects of the interior, the Chinese-owned Swedish brand did confirm the outputs of the 78kWh battery, which has been carried over from the XC40 Recharge. In range-topping P8 guise, the unit produces 300kW/660Nm, which allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint of “around five seconds”. Stated range is 420km on a single charge with Volvo claiming a waiting time of 30 minutes from 0-80% using a fast charging station.

Volvo Cars South Africa has meanwhile confirmed the C40 Recharge will be coming to the market later this month as part of its South Africa electrification campaign, with the added goal of obtaining a 50/50 global sales split between hybrid and electric vehicles by 2025.

Volvo C40 Recharge interior

“South Africans are increasingly demanding electrified cars and we want to respond to our customers’ current and future needs. While launch plans for the Volvo C40 Recharge in the South African market have yet to be finalised, we are delighted to bring our first all-electric car to this country,” managing director Greg Maruszewski said in a statement.

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