Volvo has started production of its new all-electric XC40 Recharge SUV. The design is similar to the XC40 but with an electric ‘engine’ and zero emissions. This is Volvo’s first all-electric car and is now being produced in Ghent, Belgium.
Volvo are owned by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, who are a privately held multinational automotive company, that also owns Lotus, Polestar and the London Electric Vehicle Company. Swedish brand Polestar already has an all-electric car, the Polestar 2, so it’s no surprise to see the Volvo has similar DNA.
The new Volvo XC40 Recharge features a dual-motor 300 kW powertrain, with a 150 kW electric motor on each axle. These are powered by a 78 kWh battery pack that can take the XC40 Recharge from 0-62mph (0-100kph) in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 112mph (180kph).
As for the range, the XC40 Recharge offers up to 250 miles (400km) from a full charge. It can also be charged to around 80 percent in 40 minutes using a fast charger. This electric SUV comes with an 11kW onboard charger and has a 150kW DC fast-charging capability.
The XC40 Recharge is already such a hit that all the cars Volvo plans to produce for 2020 have been sold. Prices for the XC40 Recharge in the UK start at £59,985.
Javier Varela, head of global industrial operations and quality at Volvo, said: “Today is a momentous occasion for Volvo Cars and for all employees here in Ghent. As we continue to electrify our line-up, the Ghent plant is a real trailblazer for our global manufacturing network.”
