Both models will receive new electric motors front and rear.
For the first time, electric Volvo models will be available in RWD in Canada.
This helps the C40 Recharge achieve up to 477 kilometres of EPA range.
Volvo Canada has announced the changes that will be made to the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge for the 2024 model year.
The most important news is the addition of entry-level rear-wheel drive versions of both electric crossovers.
This marks the first time Canadian drivers can buy a new Volvo vehicle powered only by the rear wheels since 1998.
More than simply removing the front motor, Volvo took a number of steps to significantly increase the range of both models.
Indeed, the rear-wheel drive C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge receive a more power-dense battery that can store 82 kWh, along with a more efficient rear motor that is now made in-house by the Swedish automaker.
This new motor delivers 248 horsepower (185 kW) and makes it possible to achieve a range of 477 kilometres in the C40 Recharge and 471 kilometres in the XC40 Recharge.
The new battery also improves charging times since it can charge at a rate of up to 200 kW on compatible DC fast chargers, thus allowing the state of charge to go from 10 to 80% in about 28 minutes, according to Volvo.
According to the automaker, rear-wheel drive EVs are safer and more capable in slippery conditions than RWD combustion-powered models thanks to better weight distribution.
The dual-motor all-wheel drive versions have not been forgotten either, since they also benefit from the new rear motor, making 255 horsepower in this application.
Furthermore, in place of the previous 150 kW (201 horsepower) motor on the front axle, a new asynchronous motor delivers 147 horsepower to the front wheels only when needed.
This makes it possible to improve efficiency at highway speeds and in dry conditions, resulting in a range of 408 kilometres in the XC40 Recharge and 413 kilometres in the C40 Recharge, an improvement of 49 kilometres in both cases.
Since these two models keep the same 78 kWh battery as before, they also retain the slower 150 kW charging rate cap.
Other changes made by Volvo for the 2024 model year include new 19-inch alloy wheels specially designed to improve aerodynamics, new paint colours, and modifications to the available exterior themes.
The first units of the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge are scheduled to reach Canadian dealerships this fall.
