Volvo XC40 Recharge: cheaper single-motor version launched

This luxury brand remains bullish about electric cars and has introduced a new cheaper electric softroader to widen its customer base.

Volvo has introduced a cheaper version of its XC40 Recharge electric SUV to capitalise on “surging demand” for EVs.

The new model has a single electric motor in lieu of the twin motors on the more expensive XC40 Recharge. The less powerful model will retail at $72,990 plus on-road costs, which means it will be eligible for a stamp duty exemption worth roughly $3000 in NSW.

Volvo has a new, cheaper version of the XC40 Recharge. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

It’s not all good news for prospective buyers, though, as the luxury car maker has increased the price of its dual-motor variant by a hefty $3000 to $79,990 plus on-roads. In NSW, that means it will no longer be eligible for the $3000 stamp duty exemption.

To justify the price rise, the new model has added new Pixel headlights, sustainable upholstery (in lieu of leather) and new wheels.

Volvo Car Australia managing director, Stephen Connor, said the more affordable model would allow the brand to meet demand for the XC40.

“Demand for XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is unprecedented as Australians embrace electric cars in increasing numbers. Our forward order book has never been stronger,” he said.

Volvo says buyers are embracing EVs in growing numbers. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

“We have secured a minimum of 20 per cent production growth for 2022 and we will continue to push for even more production to meet the demand of the brand.”

Volvo has committed to having a hybrid or electric variant of every vehicle in its range by 2025, before switching to all-electric models by 2030.

Later this year it will introduce its first electric-only model, the C40 Recharge.

The new cheaper XC40 has a single motor on the front axle producing 170kW of power and 330Nm of torque. The motor is powered by a 69kWh battery that Volvo claims will deliver 380km of range between charges.

The dual-motor version of the XC40 has replaced leather with sustainable fabrics. Picture: Supplied.

The dual-range XC40 Recharge produces 300kW and 660Nm, delivering a claimed 4.9-second sprint to 100km/h. Volvo hasn’t released a 0-100km/h time for the single-motor variant, but the motor is basically the same as the one in the Polestar 2, which claims a 7.4-second 0-100km/h time.

Polestar, an electric-only spin-off from Volvo, is likely to provide the stiffest competition to the XC40 in showrooms, as its vehicles are cheaper and deliver more range, albeit in a sedan body shape.

The long-range, single-motor Polestar 2 costs $69,900 plus on-roads and claims 540km of range.