Volvo flags mid-2022 launch for C40 Recharge, targets sales of 5,000 EVs

Volvo will introduce a second electric vehicle to the Australia car market in the second half of 2022 – a sporty, coupe-style electric crossover that will join the larger XC40 Recharge.

What’s more, the car maker thinks it could be selling 5,000 EVs in 2022, becoming one of the largest players on the local market (Tesla sold at least 10,000 EVs in Australia in 2021). With sales volumes of 15,000 targeted by the company for the coming year, Volvo Australia expects EVs will account for 30% of local sales.

The confirmation of the C40’s launch – and its new sales targets – hint that it will arrive earlier than the previously slated late 2022. The Drive has contacted Volvo to confirm how much sooner this might be.

Pricing for the C40 has not yet been divulged by Volvo Australia, but based on UK pricing expect the smart electric coupe to come in well above its larger stablemate: while the XC40 Recharge is priced from £43,550 ($A82,349) there, the C40 comes in at £57,400 ($A108,538) before on-roads.

Unlike the XC40 and others in Volvo’s XC family, the C40 will only be available in an electric drivetrain. Built on the same CMA platform that the XC40 Recharge is built, it has a similar footprint to the XC40 but a lower roofline and less passenger headroom in the back.

Dual electric motors and a 78kWh battery under the floor will deliver a maximum 300kW of power, 660Nm of torque, and Volvo promises a 0-100km/hr sprint time of less than five seconds.

The news comes shortly after Volvo announced its dual-motor XC40 Recharge will be joined by a single-motor variant from $72,990.

With a slightly smaller 69kWh battery, the XC40 single-motor will offer 330Nm torque and maximum power of 170kW, with 380km range (WLTP) promised if you drive conservatively.

At the same time, Volvo is adding upgrades to the dual-motor XC40 Recharge including an updated front and rear bumper, headlamp surrounds and frameless grille plate, as well as pixel LED headlights, sustainable upholstery and fresh look wheels.

This will bump the price of the top-of-the-range variant to $79,990 before on-road costs.

Volvo’s continued efforts come as the company reported it has become the fastest-growing luxury car brand in Australia throughout 2021, and while electric sales drive a small part of this growth, the company’s Australian arm think 2022 will see EVs account for a larger piece of Volvo’s sales, even though none of their EVs will be priced under state rebate thresholds.

“We are seeing a surging demand for electric vehicles in Australia, and in 2022 pure electric cars will make up a minimum 30% of our sales. This will only increase as more and more Australians embrace the all-electric drivetrain,” said Volvo Car Australia managing director, Stephen Connor in a statement.