Volvo XC40 Recharge Production Begins Today

• The XC40 Recharge is Volvo’s first fully-electric vehicle.

• By 2025, 50% of Volvo’s global sales will be EVs.

• The XC40 Recharged delivers 208 miles of range (EPA).

Volvo’s goal to convert a large portion of its vehicle line over to electric propulsion is coming online today as the first XC40 Recharge begins to leave the assembly line today. The compact luxury SUV is already popular and appreciated and Volvo confirms that demand is already quite strong.

The AWD dual-motor Volvo XC40 Recharge is endowed with a total system output of 408 horsepower. This power will send the compact SUV to 100 km/h in under 5 seconds. Its 78 kWh (75 kWh usable) battery enables the SUV to cover up to EPA 208 miles (converted to roughly 334 km) on a single charge. With fast-charging, an 80% state of charge is achieved in only 40 minutes.

From the outside, the XC40 Recharge looks like a conventional XC40. The same goes for the cabin. The central-display touchscreen now features a new Android-powered infotainment system with embedded Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store. Versatility-wise, this XC40, thanks to its electric propulsion system, benefits not only from a spacious trunk but also a generous frunk. And, as always, this Volvo is loaded with all the latest safety tech.

“Today is a momentous occasion for Volvo Cars and for all employees here in Ghent,” said Javier Varela, head of global industrial operations and quality. “As we continue to electrify our line-up, the Ghent plant is a real trailblazer for our global manufacturing network.”

The first deliveries of the Volvo XC40 Recharge begin in Europe later this month. The XC40 is expected to arrive in Canada by year’s end.