Locally-assembled Volvo XC40 Recharge electric SUV to launch in India on July 26
Volvo Cars India is set to launch the locally-assembled Volvo XC40 Recharge electric SUV on July 26. This makes Volvo the first premium carmaker to begin local production f electric vehicles in India. The XC40 Recharge was originally meant to be launched in India by late 2021 as a CBU, but supply shortages have delayed its arrival. This also seems to have given Volvo the breathing space to plan out its local production.
Volvo XC40 Recharge local production, expected priceThis announcement by Volvo Cars India ties in with the Swedish brand's strong push toward electrification. The company plans on going fully electric in India by 2030, same as its global timelines for the switch and will launch a new EV in the country every year until then. Setting up local manufacturing of these EVs is then a major cog in this long term plan for Volvo. The company already has a sizeable operation in locally manufacturing its ICE models, and since the XC40 Recharge is based on an ICE platform, incorporating that into the mix shouldn't be as difficult.
Local production of the Volvo XC60 will also give Volvo a distinct edge in pricing over current competitors like the Kia EV6 and the BMW i4. Expect the XC40 Recharge to be priced around Rs 50 to 55 lakh when it is launched in India.
Volvo XC40 Recharge battery, range, charging, specsThe XC40 Recharge is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle for a combined 408PS and 660 Nm output. This is fed by a 78kWh battery placed under the floor of the SUV. The XC40 Recharge can cover 400 km in a full charge. The battery charges to 80 % of its capacity in 40 mins on a fast-charger system.
The XC40 Recharge looks almost identical to the standard car, save for the new body-coloured fascia in place of the grille. On the inside, the new addition is Volvo's new Android-based infotainment system. There are Recharge badges all around and the charging port replaces the traditional fuel filler.
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Volvo XC40 Recharge electric SUV launch postponed to early 2022