Volvo EVs pile on the kays

Volvo has boosted the range of its C40 and XC40 Recharge twins.

Both models have received upgraded powertrains and larger batteries that deliver longer range and faster charging capability.

The upgrades also see the introduction of rear-drive models for the first time in 25 years.

The new rear-wheel drive powertrain features a single 175kW motor, three per cent more than the outgoing single-motor front-drive version.

In the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric (single motor), the 69kWh battery carries over, but enhancements in cooling deliver increased range of up to 460km (WLTP) compared with 425km before.

Range of the C40 Recharge Pure Electric (single motor) improves from 438km to 476km, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking about 34 minutes with a 130kW DC public charger.

All-wheel drive versions also benefits from these updates, with more impressive range improvements.

The two 150kW motors have been replaced by 117kW and 183kW motors, but combined output remains at 300kW and 660Nm.

Acceleration times for both powertrains are impressive – the single motor takes 7.4 seconds from 0-100km/h while while the dual-motor does it in 4.9 seconds.

This new configuration, paired with an 82kWh battery and overall efficiency improvements in battery cooling, mean the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin (all-wheel drive) can now drive up to 500km on a single charge — a 62km increase.

The range of the C40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin (all-wheel drive) has improved from 451km to 507km (WLTP).

Charging power has improved as the larger battery pack allows for fast charging at an updated rate of 200kW DC (previously 150kW DC maximum), with 10-80 per cent charge taking about 28 minutes.

Volvo has made exterior changes that help to improve efficiency where possible.

New 19-inch alloy wheels for both XC40 and C40 Recharge help reduce drag through aerodynamic design, while boosting overall look of the cars.

“These updates are another big step in our stated local strategy of becoming fully electric by 2026,” Volvo’s Stephen Connor said.

“Two of the most frequently asked questions customers ask about our fully electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge are: how far will it go on a single charge and How long does it take to charge?”

“These upgrades address those questions and will make our fully electric models even more attractive than they already were.

“Globally, Volvo is firmly committed to becoming an electric-only carmaker by 2030, but in Australia we’ve previously announced we will make the transition to full EV happen by 2026.

Polestar 4 is the four with more

“The powertrain and battery upgrades in XC40 and C40 Recharge models will help us achieve this goal and accomplish our aspiration of selling 20,000 fully electric cars every year in Australia. “

The upgrades are part of the new MY24 range, due to arrive later in the year.

They’re available to order now, XC40 Recharge Pure Electric priced from $76,990 and C40 Recharge Pure Electric single motor variants priced from $78,990.

XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin is $85,990 and C40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin, $87,990.