Volvo NZ launches electric XC40 and C40

Volvo is introducing its first fully electric SUVs to New Zealand later this year with the launch of the XC40 and C40 Recharge models.

Based on its compact SUV, the Volvo XC40 Recharge is the company’s first fully electric car.

Two powertrains will be available for the XC40 Recharge, the first of which is the P6 single motor powered by a 69kWh battery and offering a claimed range of up to 450km. 

The all-wheel drive dual motor P8 variant uses a larger 78kWh battery and has a stated range of up to 500km.

Pricing for the XC40 Recharge P6 kicks off from $83,900 while the P8 will start from $97,900 plus on road costs.

Also launching later this year is the C40 Recharge, a coupe-style SUV that still offers generous space but has a lower and sleeker design.

With identical mechanicals to the XC40, the C40 Recharge will also be offered with the P6 single motor and all-wheel drive P8 dual motor variants. The C40’s P6 and P8 specifications and range figures are the same as the XC40’s. 

The C40 Recharge P6 starts from $85,900, while the P8 will kick off from $100,900 plus on road costs.

Both models will come with an Android-powered infotainment system and a fully integrated Volvo On Call services platform. This provides customers with benefits such as roadside assist via the New Zealand Automobile Association.

A four-year unlimited-data plan also comes with both models which enables the vehicle to receive software updates over the air.

Volvo plans to launch a fully electric car every year until 2023 as it seeks to make all-electric cars 50 per cent of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids.

Ben Montgomery, Volvo Cars New Zealand General Manager, said “We are looking forward to introducing New Zealand drivers to Volvo’s uniquely Scandinavian fully electric Recharge range. We are not surprised to see the 2022 allocation of these vehicles already sold out with all new orders taken from this point onwards aligned to 2023 vehicle arrivals.”