Volvo’s First Pure EV Offering To Launch In India In 2021

With a claimed range of 400km, the first-ever all-electric Volvo could be an interesting prospect for EV enthusiasts

• Volvo unveiled the XC40 Recharge, an all-electric model based on the XC40 compact SUV, earlier in 2019.

• It will be the brand’s first pure EV offering and has a WLTP tested range of 400km.

• The XC40 Recharge P8 has an AWD drivetrain and a total output of 408PS.

• The Volvo electric SUV is expected to be priced north of Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom) but would still be more affordable than luxury electric SUVs like the Mercedes Benz EQC.

• It will not have any direct rivals in India at the time of launch.

Swedish carmaker Volvo unveiled its first full-electric offering in late 2019 in the form of the XC40 Recharge. It’s based on the newest addition to the carmaker’s portfolio, the XC40 compact SUV that was unveiled in 2017 and went on sale in India in 2018. At the unveiling of the new-gen S60 for India, Volvo has now confirmed that the XC40 Recharge will be launched in India in 2021.

“Recharge” is the variant suffix for future all-electric variants in Volvo’s lineup. The XC40 Recharge features an AWD powertrain with a claimed range of 400km on a single charge as per the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test cycle. It is no slouch either, with an output of 414PS which should make it quite zippy for getting up to highway speeds and easy overtakes.

The batteries are housed under the floor of the car, between the axles, and can be fast-charged from empty to 80 percent in just 40 minutes. While it may get more affordable variants in other countries, it is likely to be offered in the top-spec P8 variant as described here. Currently, the XC40 is available in India in a single T4 R-Design variant priced at Rs 39.90 lakh (ex-showroom) which uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 193PS and 300Nm.

Visual differences for the XC40 Recharge included a body-coloured panel for the covered grille, new alloy wheels and thicker rear cladding. The interior seems unchanged over the combustion-engine variants and the XC40 will still be packed with plenty of safety features including advanced driver systems. Its infotainment system is said to feature a new Android-based OS with various Google features embedded into it along with connected car technology, and will receive over-the-air updates.

Volvos are a premium offering in India and the all-electric XC40 will likely get a steep price tag too. Expect the XC40 Recharge to cost north of Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom) when launched in India. It would still be cheaper than luxury electric SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQC and upcoming Audi e-tron which are closer to the Rs 1 crore mark, making it appeal to those who want a high-end EV experience in a non-German brand.

Read More on : XC40 Automatic