The cost of entry into a new electric Volvo is being lowered in 2022.
Volvo Car Australia has announced a new single-motor version of its XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will arrive sometime in 2022, priced at $72,990 before on-road costs.
The existing dual-motor version will also receive some updates.
They’re set to arrive in mid-2022.
The arrival of the single-motor version coincides with a MY23 facelift for the XC40 line, which for the electric models includes a new front bumper and rear bumper inserts, plus a restyled grille and headlight surrounds.
Photos of the updated XC40, which has yet to be officially revealed, have already appeared online.
MORE: 2023 Volvo XC40 facelift leaked
The new single-motor variant slides in at $4000 less than the current dual-motor version, of which Volvo Car Australia has sold its entire model year 2022 allocation, and $7000 less than the MY23 dual-motor version.
It features a single electric motor on the front axle, with total outputs of 170kW of power and 330Nm of torque.
It uses a 69kWh battery, with an expected range of around 380km on the stricter WLTP cycle.
The dual-motor model, in contrast, pumps out 300kW and 660Nm, with a claimed range of 418km.
Standard equipment on the single-motor version includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, heated seats front and rear, and a heated steering wheel.
The dual-motor version picks up Pixel headlights, new wheels and new, sustainable upholstery as part of the MY23 updates, with its price increased to $79,990 before on-road costs.
The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric range also includes Volvo’s new generation infotainment system with a four-year data subscription and digital services, including Google Services.
“The introduction of the single motor variant in 2022 will enable us to respond to this extraordinary demand with even a more affordable Pure Electric option,” said Volvo Car Australia managing director Stephen Connor.
“Via this introduction we have delivered a fantastic offering without compromising on our core values and safety.
“We have secured a minimum of 20% production growth for 2022 and we will continue to push for even more production to meet the demand of the brand.
“If our factories can keep up, then our volumes will hit 15,000 units in the near future.”
As Volvo transitions to being an EV-only automaker by 2030, electric models are proliferating throughout its local lineup.
In addition to the sold-out XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and the upcoming front-wheel drive model, the range will be joined by the related C40 Recharge in the second half of 2022.
The coupe SUV will use the all-wheel drive XC40 Recharge Pure Electric’s dual-motor powertrain and 78kWh battery, with a WLTP range of 420km.
Pricing
- 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric single motor: $72,990
- 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric dual motor: $79,990
Prices exclude on-road costs.
Powertrains
The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will be available with either a single, front-mounted electric motor with 170kW of power and 330Nm of torque and front-wheel drive, or a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with 300kW and 660Nm. The latter has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds.
Efficiency
The single-motor version uses a 69kWh battery and has an estimated WLTP range of around 380km.
The dual-motor version has a 78kWh battery and WLTP range of 418km.
UPDATE, 13/04/2022 – WLTP-certified figures on the Volvo global site put these variants at 424km and 417km, respectively.
Both models support DC fast charging at up to 150kW and AC charging at up to 11kW.
Dimensions
The Volvo XC40 measures 4425mm long, 1910mm wide and 1652mm tall.
Luggage space is 460L, expanding to 1336L with the second row folded.
Servicing and Warranty
The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is backed by a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, with an included three-year, 100,000km service wear and tear plan that includes wiper blades, brake pads and brake discs.
Safety
The Volvo XC40 has a rating of five stars from ANCAP based on testing conducted in 2018.
This testing was conducted on the petrol-powered XC40, however, not the pure-electric model.
All models received an adult occupant protection score of 97 per cent, child occupant protection score of 84 per cent, vulnerable road user protection score of 71 per cent and a safety assist score of 78 per cent.
While Volvo hasn’t released a full spec sheet for the MY23 electric variants, all XC40 models in Australia currently come standard with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with vulnerable road user detection, as well as lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front, side, head and driver’s knee airbags.
Standard Equipment
Volvo hasn’t released a full breakdown of equipment for the MY23 electric range. It has, however, confirmed the following inclusions:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated front and rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Keyless entry
- Wireless phone charging
The dual-motor version upgrades to Pixel headlights, with sustainable upholstery inside.
MORE: Everything Volvo XC40
