Big updates for electric Volvo XC40 and C40

Volvo has announced the single-motor versions of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and the dedicated-electric C40 Recharge will switch to rear-wheel drive for the 2024 model year, and the upgraded small electric SUVs will arrive in Aussie showrooms by the end of 2023.

The MY24 update also includes upgrades to both EVs’ motors and battery systems, which will increase power and range in every variant.

Starting with the elephant in the room, all single-motor XC40 and C40 variants are making the switch from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, with base ‘standard range’ versions also nabbing an extra 5kW to bump peak power to 175kW.

The standard range 69kWh battery has been carried over but scores a couple of undisclosed ‘cooling enhancements’ to extend the XC40’s range out from 425km to 460km (WLTP) and the C40’s from 438km to 476km.

Even more power and range will be on offer for those who opt for the new 82kWh battery pack, which furthers the respective driving ranges to 515km and 533km while simultaneously adding another 10kW to the equation (185kW total).

The carry-over battery’s cooling enhancements mean it can now be charged at up to 130kW when using a DC fast-charger, but the bigger and newer 82kWh unit once again bests it with a maximum charge figure of up to 200kW.

For the purists, this is the first time in 25 years that Volvo will offer a rear-wheel drive product and the surprising switch should also improve the EV’s dynamics.

Dual-motor versions of both models also help themselves to the 82kWh battery pack, which they use to power a new 117kW front and 183kW rear motor – for a combined 300kW – and liberate more than 55km of extra range.

Specifically, the dual-motor XC40 will now cover up to 500km (+62km) on a single charge, whereas the AWD C40 will cover up to 507km (+56km).

You’ll be able to spot the new models by their new, more aerodynamic 19-inch alloy wheel design.

“These updates are another big step in our work towards becoming a fully electric car maker by 2030,” Volvo chief operating officer Javier Varela said. 

“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.”

Local pricing, specifications and exact release timings are all yet to be locked in by Volvo Car Australia, but carsales understands the updated XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and C40 Recharge will arrive in the third quarter of this year.

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