2023 XC40 Pure Recharge. Source: Volvo
Deliveries of the popular Volvo XC40 electric compact SUV have reportedly been delayed for some Australian customers due to “ongoing global challenges”.
The all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge went on sale in Australia in the middle of 2021 and quickly became one of the country’s best-selling electric models. By September, Volvo revealed that the first allocation of Australian models had already been pre-ordered.
A month later, the XC40 Recharge shot to the top of Australia’s electric car sales, returning again to the spot in April.
However, despite the local success, Volvo Australia has also had trouble securing enough models to meet demand. Volvo was forced to cancel a number of Australian orders earlier this year due to the global semi-conductor shortage and the lingering impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
And it looks as if the continuing issues affecting global supply chains has led Volvo to further delays.
According to an email sent to some Australian XC40 pre-order holders, estimated delivery of vehicles ordered in March have now been pushed out to February 2023.
The news was reported in the Electric Vehicles for Australia Facebook Group by a user who received an email from Volvo on Monday. After having ordered a Volvo XC40 in March with an initial delivery date for August or September, the customer was subsequently told in July that delivery was being pushed back to mid-November.
An email from Volvo on Monday appears to have pushed that delivery date out even further.
As Volvo explains, “the entire industry continues to be impacted by the ongoing global challenges around parts supply and semiconductor shortages.”
A number of commenters on the original Facebook post have confirmed receiving the same or similar email from Volvo.
It is worth noting, however, that many carmakers around the globe are experiencing the same delays. A number of reports have shown that American EV darling Tesla is similarly suffering, as are other companies like Polestar and Hyundai.
For those still interested in the Volvo XC40 Recharge, however, you can read Bridie Schmidt’s review here, in which she described the car as “a pleasure to drive”.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
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