by Volvo tuned the powertrain specifications for the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge in Europe in both front- and all-wheel drive versions. (We don’t have the FWD version here, only the AWD models.) First reported by AutomotiveUnited Kingdom as one rumor, car dig in the details after the new models reach a number of EU configurations. The big change there is that the front drivers are now rear drivers, engineers moving the single engine to the rear axle for efficiency gains. The the battery in a single-engine automobile remains the same size at 67 kWh, but engine output increases from 228 horsepower to 235 horsepower. Even better, the C40 Recharge goes from an estimated 270 miles on a single charge to 296 miles, the XC40 Recharge goes from an estimated 260 miles on a single charge to 286 miles on the WLTP cycle.
The AWD Recharge Twin version has a larger battery, swapping a 78 kWh unit (75 kWh usable) for an 82 kWh unit (78 kWh usable). Their engine produces the same 402 hp total as before, but does so with rear offset. Instead of each making 201 hp, the front engine makes 161 hp, the rear 241 hp. Their range climbs even more, the C40 achieves 37 miles of range to go an estimated 315 miles on a single charge, the XC40 adds 42 miles to an estimated 311 miles on the WLTP cycle. Volvo also upgraded the fast charging capability for Recharge from 150 kW to 200 kW. The upgrade cuts charging time from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes, to 27 minutes, matching the time it takes for smaller battery-powered single-engine cars to recharge the same amount.
Modified models can be ordered in Europe now but won’t go into production until next year, Recharge versions in May, single-engine versions in the fall. Prices increased by about 10%.
It is thought that pole star 2 would match the same changes. We asked Volvo USA about upcoming US revisions, and a spokesperson replied: “We’ll have more details to share about the US offer at a later date. “
