Volvo India evaluating RWD variant of C40 Recharge or XC40 Recharge

Gajanan Kashikar Updated: March 07, 2024, 12:10 PM IST

Volvo unveiled the all-electric C40 Recharge in India today with its launch slated for August this year. The C40 Recharge will be available only in AWD version like the XC40 Recharge. At the same time, the brand has revealed that it is now evaluating the prospect of offering the rear-wheel drive (RWD) version of either the C40 Recharge or XC40 Recharge in the country.

Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge RWD: What is the benefit?

With the most recent 2023 model year update, Volvo brought back rear-wheel drive versions of the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge in its global line-up after 25 years. These rear-wheel drive versions have noticiably more range than the corresponding AWD verison and even their front-wheel drive versions. Plus, being RWD models, Volvo India will probably be able price them lower than the AWD counterparts and also competitively lower to their closest rivals in India.

Volvo C40 Recharge RWD: Range, power outputs, and charging

For reference, the international-spec C40 Recharge comes with two RWD trims. The base RWD trim comes with a 69kWh battery linked to an electric motor that makes 238PS and has an improved WLTP range of up to 476km, thanks to enhancements in cooling system, says Volvo. In terms of charging, a 130kW DC charger can recharge it from 10 to 80 per cent in a claimed 34 minutes.

The more powerful and extended range variant of the C40 Recharge gets a larger 82kWh battery pack paired with a 252PS electric motor. It boasts a WLTP range of up to 533km on a full charge. This model features an upgraded charging system of 200kW from the previous 150kW. With this, it can now charge from 10 to 80 per cent in a claimed 28 minutes.

Volvo XC40 Recharge RWD: Range and power outputs

The international-spec XC40 RWD version retains the 69kWh battery pack but features enhancements in the cooling system, resulting in an increased range of 460km (WLTP) compared to the previous WLTP-certified range of 425km. Its single electric motor generates 238PS. Further, like the C40 Recharge, the XC40 Recharge is also available with a larger 82kWh battery pack and 252PS single motor mounted on the rear axle. This setup offers an improved claimed range of up to 515km.

In comparison, the India-bound C40 Recharge AWD has a 78kWh battery pack that offers a WLTP range of 530km and a dual-electric motor setup that makes 408PS and 660Nm of torque. Whereas, the on-sale XC40 Recharge AWD has a claimed range of 418km with a dual-motor setup producing 408PS and 660Nm of torque.