Volvo simplifies the EV buying process with sleek new 2022 C40 Recharge

Here's a closer look at Volvo's second EV entry sporting low-slung looks, a clean interior, and a unique buying proposition.

Coming off the heels of the new XC40 Recharge debut, Volvo reveals the 2022 C40 Recharge — a sleek, fully electric machine built on the CMA vehicle platform sporting SUV features, an estimated range of 210 miles / 420 kms, a new infotainment built in collaboration with Google, a leather-less interior, and available only online without the pressures of a salesperson breathing down your neck.

The Swede is making good on its promise of an electrified future, and one of the first automakers to do so, aiming for half of its product line be fully electric by 2025 with the remaining as hybrids. Come 2030, they aim to be full-on electric across the board. 

Available online only

The new C40 Recharge is paving the way for the company’s electric mandate while making it easier for consumers to get into an EV. As Volvo’s CFO puts it, “The C40 Recharge represents the future of Volvo and shows where we are going.” He continues, “It is fully electric, offered online only with a convenient care package and will be available for quick delivery. Getting a new Volvo was never this attractive.” 

So, why go strictly online? The idea is to make the C40 Recharge’s buying process as easy as possible while significantly simplifying the funnel. By offering pre-selected variants, coupled with a care package (service, warranty, roadside assistance, insurance and home charging options), Volvo believes it can reduce complexity for consumers. 

“It is fully electric, offered online only with a convenient care package and will be available for quick delivery.”


Henrik Green, Volvo chief technology officer

In other words, no pushy salespeople, no ‘up-selling’ to complicate things. Frankly, this should be music to consumers’ ears, in our opinion. 

2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Range

First things first: what’s the newcomer’s expected range? Consumers can expect an anticipated range of 210 miles or 420 kms on a single charge, which according to Volvo, “is expected to improve over time via over-the-air software updates.”

Propelled by a pair electric motors (on the rear axle and up front), the C40 Recharge is powered by a 78kWh battery. A 40-minute charge will provide 80-percent juice

Exterior styling

2022 Volvo C40 Recharge
2022 C40 Recharge. Photo: Volvo

Styling is always a personal preference, but if there’s one thing Volvo does well it’s producing well-designed, bold EVs that standout from the pack without looking too gaudy or out there. The C40 Recharge is no exception. 

It sports a low roof line for a sleeker look, paired to a clean front end introducing a new face for electric Volvos and includes head lights with state-of-the- art pixel-technology. And of course, Volvo’s characteristic rear taillights — the C40 Recharge’s extending all the way up to the roof line. 

A super clean interior void of leather

The cabin design is super clean, particularly, the centre stack that finds a screen up top, a large singe dial in the middle flanked by some buttons, and a huge storage space below. Void of any leather — a Volvo first — the C40 Recharge is available with a range of colour and deco options unique to the model. 

Google x Volvo infotainment system

2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Google infotainment
2022 C40 Recharge Google infotainment sytem. Photo: Volvo

On the tech side, Volvo teamed up with Google on an infotainment system based on the Android operating system. So accessing Google Play Store is the only way to access the apps — no Apple CarPlay

A big claim, however, Volvo says “the C40 Recharge comes with one of the best infotainment systems on the market.” We look forward to testing this out ourselves because there are plenty of great systems on the market today, including Ford’s new Sync3, for example. 

Here’s a look at more 2021 and 2022 sport utilities.

Up Next:
Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.