Volvo upgrades the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge compact EVs for the 2024 MY

What we have here are tweaks that have been made to two of Volvo's EVs, the C40 Recharge and the XC40 Recharge models for the 2024 model year.  What makes them note-worthy is the fact that the changes were made mid-cycle and foretell the Scandinavian automaker's upcoming new models. The big news are the new motors that were developed in-house by Volvo which replace existing powerplants. Previously,  one motor was available in RWD versions and the motor was doubled up for AWD versions. The new single use motor develops 255 hp  on the rear axle and a new 147 hp asynchronous electric motor is used on the front axle in AWD models. The new motors are more efficient and provide greater range even with similar battery packs. In fact the RWD single motor car now gets almost 300 miles per charge and AWD variants have seen range increases as well (see the chart in the media release after the jump). There have also been some subtle exterior tweaks as well but the XC40 and C40 will not be mistaken for anything else. I like the look a lot and would choose the C40 coupe SUV as long as the lowered roof doesn't reduce headroom (I'm kinda tall). Volvo's new XC30 model will be released any day now and the XC30 was developed as an EV from the start while the current cars were converted ICE models which should make the smaller EX30 even more efficient and have greater range wile using the same new motors. Can't wait. The 2024 XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge should be available soon, while we'll have to wait for the XC30 until next year.

Source: Volvo = Media release, pics

Press Release:

Volvo Car USA announces 2024 line-up with new fully electric powertrains and increased range

The fully electric Volvo C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge models have been updated for the 2024 model year to offer increased range. Range improvements come thanks to two new powertrains offered on both the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge.

 

The addition of rear-wheel drive variants – the first time in 25 years that Volvo Car USA is offering a rear-wheel drive product – provide improved range while maintaining the safety and secure driving dynamics typical of Volvo cars.

 

Another first for Volvo Cars is that the second-generation permanent magnet electric motor driving the rear axles for the fully electric C40 and XC40 models has been developed in-house at Volvo Cars.

 

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

 

The return of rear-wheel power

With the weight of the battery and motors more evenly distributed throughout the vehicle, traction for the rear wheels is greatly improved when compared with a traditional front-engine ICE car.

 

The new Single Motor Extended Range C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge feature a powerful 185 kW (248 hp) permanent magnet e-motor on the rear axle and an 82kWh battery pack. This combination of a more energy-dense battery and efficient motor allows the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge to achieve up to 297 and 293 miles of range, respectively on the combined EPA test cycle. Charging power has improved as the uprated 82 kWh battery pack allows for charging at a top rate of 200 kW DC. Charging the car from 10-80 percent state-of-charge takes approximately 28 minutes.

 

An updated all-wheel drive variant

The Twin Motor all-wheel drive variants also benefit from these updates, providing them with additional range. The previous set-up of two 150 kW electric motors on both front and rear axles has been replaced by our in-house developed 255 hp electric motor on the rear axle and a new 147 hp asynchronous electric motor on the front axle.  As the asynchronous motor does not require a constant electrical charge, the Twin Motor conserves energy by engaging the front-axle drive only when it’s needed – contributing to the improvements in range.

 

The Twin Motor variants of the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge retain the 78kWh battery pack with a top charging rate of 150 kW DC. This means the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD can now drive up to 254 miles, a 31-mile boost over the previous iteration. The range of the C40 Recharge Twin Motor has improved up to 257 miles from 226 miles (combined EPA cycle).

 

Exterior updates also help contribute to the efficiency gains. For example, a new 19-inch alloy wheel for both C40 and XC40 Recharge not only boosts the overall look of the models, but it also helps to reduce drag through its aerodynamic design.

 

Additional changes across the Volvo line-up of cars and SUVs include new exterior paint colors and updates to available exterior themes.

Model	Drive	Range (EPA estimated)
C40 Recharge Single Motor	RWD	297 miles
C40 Recharge Twin Motor	AWD	257 miles
XC40 Recharge Single Motor	RWD	293 miles
XC40 Recharge Twin Motor	AWD	254 miles

 

About Volvo Car USA

Volvo Car USA LLC, (www.volvocars.com/us) is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Group of Gothenburg, Sweden. VCUSA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States. For more information, please refer to the VCUSA media website at: http://www.media.volvocars.com/us.

 

The small print:

• EPA-estimated 118 city /95 highway/ 106 combined MPGe (XC40 Recharge Single Motor); 106 city/ 90 highway/ 98 combined MPGe (XC40 Recharge Twin Motor); 118 city/ 96 highway/ 107 combined MPGe (C40 Recharge Single Motor); 106 city/ 91 highway/ 99 combined MPGe (C40 Recharge Twin Motor). Use for comparison purposes only. Your range and MPGe will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.
• Charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.