Volvo moved the XC40 and C40 from front to rear-wheel drive
November 28, 2022“Junior” Volvo electric crossovers survived a technical upgrade
Volvo has moved the “battery” XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. The filling of the basic electric crossovers has changed significantly: the engine has changed location and has become seven horsepower more powerful, the capacity of the traction battery and the range have increased. In addition, Volvo has added two-wheel drive versions of the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge with an increased battery and an autonomy of up to 534 kilometers (WLTP) to the European range of Volvo.
The press service of Volvo ignored the re-equipment of the XC40 and C40 electric crossovers; outside of the novelty, too, there is no way to recognize it. From now on, in the base SUVs, the electric motor is located in the rear axle drive and develops 238 horsepower and 330 Nm.
The battery capacity of the simplest versions has increased from 69 to 73 kilowatt-hours, power consumption has decreased by 10-20 percent (depending on modification), and the battery charges faster, because a 200-kilowatt charger is now supported.
The new version of the Extended Range has a battery of 82 kilowatt-hours, and the rear electric motor has been boosted to 252 horsepower and 420 Nm. Such crossovers travel 515-534 kilometers without recharging.
All-wheel drive electric vehicles XC40/C40 are also upgraded. An improved battery between the axles (by 82 kilowatt-hours), peak torque is increased from 660 to 670 Nm, and the power distribution has changed: if Volvo used identical 204-horsepower engines before, now the rear electric motor develops 245 horsepower, and the front one – 163 horsepower. Peak output is the same 408 horsepower. After the upgrade, the power reserve is increased by 13 percent.
The updated Volvo XC40 and C40 electric vehicles are already available for order in most European countries. Prices have risen: for example, in the Netherlands, the basic version has risen in price by seven percent to 48,000 euros.