2022 Volvo C40 Recharge First Look: Volvo's Debut EV

Can the new all electric hatchback from Volvo compete with the likes of Tesla?

Transcript

00:00 Hi, I'm Billy with Motor Trend, and today we're getting a first look at the C40 Recharge.

00:05 This is basically an XC40 Recharge with the roof chopped off.

00:08 This is the Tesla for people who don't want to buy a Tesla.

00:18 The C40 Recharge sets itself apart from the rest of the Volvo lineup with a smooth grille

00:22 in the front that shows everyone that it's an electric car.

00:25 The car I'm standing next to is in Fjord Blue paint and rides on 20-inch aero wheels.

00:29 Other notable design features include the Thor's Hammer headlights up front.

00:33 In the back, the taillights still have the iconic Volvo shape, but they go all the way

00:36 up along the glass, setting it apart from the XC40 Recharge.

00:39 The C40 Recharge has a 78-kilowatt-hour battery.

00:42 It can charge from 0% to 80% in 40 minutes.

00:45 In a more typical use scenario, you can charge from about 20% to 80% in 30 minutes.

00:50 The C40 Recharge looks pretty, and it has impressive performance numbers too.

00:54 It has 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque.

00:58 That means it's good for a 0-to-60 time of 4.5 seconds.

01:01 That's mega hot hatch fast.

01:02 We're estimating that the C40 Recharge will go on sale at about $60,000 before tax incentives.

01:08 After incentives, we're thinking more about $55,000.

01:12 The inside of the C40 Recharge feels stylish and luxurious.

01:15 To start, there is a topographical map of a Swedish national park that runs all the

01:19 way around the car, from the doors to the dash.

01:22 Then there are carpets inlaid in the doors that are made from almost 100% plastic bottles

01:26 that have been recycled.

01:27 Finally, the user interface is backed by Google Automotive Services.

01:32 That means you can control almost the entire car with Google.

01:35 All in all, you're getting a really cool interior, and Volvo didn't even kill a single cow to

01:39 make it happen.

01:40 That's right, this car is 100% leather-free.

01:44 I was excited to come into the studio today and check out the C40 Recharge.

01:48 It looks great, has awesome performance numbers, and usable real-world range.

01:52 For more info on the C40 Recharge, go to Motortrend.com.

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