Volvo’s smallest EVs get improved range, charging, and RWD

As part of a new package of product updates, Volvo has improved both the range (WLTP) and charging for the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, increasing range by as much as 60 kilometers on some variants.

Furthermore, three new powertrains are offered on the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge. These include two rear-wheel-drive variants – the first time in 25 years that Volvo is again offering a rear-wheel-drive product – and a revised all-wheel-drive performance model.

“These updates are another big step in our work toward becoming a fully electric carmaker by 2030,” said Javier Varela, COO and deputy chief executive of Volvo Cars. “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.”

Rear-wheel-drive

Until now, the single motor variants of the XC40 and C40 Recharge were front-wheel driven. Now, there are two new rear-wheel drive powertrain options. The single motor with standard range is driven by a 175 kW permanent magnet electric motor (e-motor), which provides a three percent increase in power output over the outgoing 170 kW single-motor front-wheel drive variant. This second-generation permanent magnet electric motor has been developed in-house at Volvo Cars.

In the XC40 Recharge single motor, the same 69 kWh battery capacity is carried over. Still, enhancements in cooling efficiency mean it can now deliver an increased range and drive up to 460 kilometers according to the WLTP test cycle, compared with 425 kilometers before. The range of the C40 Recharge single motor meanwhile improves up to 476 kilometers from 438 kilometers (WLTP). A 10-80% charge takes approximately 34 minutes using a 130 kW DC public charger.

Larger battery

If you need more power and range, you can also opt for a larger battery coupled with a more powerful 185 kW permanent magnet e-motor on the rear axle. This second new variant comes with an 82 kWh battery pack, which boosts range up to 515 kilometers (WLTP) for the XC40 Recharge single motor extended range and up to 533 kilometers for the C40 Recharge single motor extended range.

Here too, charging power has improved as the larger battery pack allows for charging at an updated top rate of 200 kW DC (previously 150 kW DC maximum), while a 10-80% charge takes approximately 28 minutes.

The all-wheel drive variants also benefit from these updates, also realizing range improvements. The previous set-up of two 150 kW e-motors on the front and rear axles has been replaced by the new in-house developed 183 kW permanent magnet e-motor on the rear axle and a new 117 kW asynchronous electric motor on the front axle.

This new configuration, paired with the enlarged  82kWh battery pack and overall efficiency improvements in battery cooling, means the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD can now drive up to 500 kilometers on a single charge, a 62-kilometer boost over the previous iteration. The range of the C40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD has improved up to 507 kilometers from 451 kilometers (all WLTP).

Small exterior updates also help to improve efficiency where possible. For example, new 19-inch alloy wheels also help to reduce drag through their aerodynamic design.