The Volvo XC40 Recharge has been showcased in India before its launch in the coming months. The Swedish brand has revealed that bookings for the all-electric SUV will commence in June 2021, while deliveries will begin in a phased manner from October onwards. The launch of the all-electric XC40 will mark the start of Volvo India’s ambitious plans to have 80 percent of its India sales come from all-electric vehicles by 2025.

• Volvo XC40 Recharge to be powered by two 204hp electric motors
• 78kWh lithium-ion battery has 418km WLTP-certified range
• To be the most affordable luxury EV on sale at launch

Volvo XC40 Recharge India details

The all-electric version of the XC40 gets a 78kWh lithium-ion battery mounted low in the floor.Itpowers two 204hp electric motors – one on each axle – which simulate permanent all-wheel drive. With a combined output of 408hp and 660Nm of torque, the XC40 Recharge is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100kph in a claimed 4.9sec, though the top speed is limited to 180kph.

As with most other EVs on sale in India, the XC40 Recharge’s battery can be charged via an AC charger or a DC fast-charger, with the latter said to take 40min to bring it up to 80 percent. The battery has a WLTP-certified 418km of range on a single charge, which bodes well for its real-world range; the Mercedes-Benz EQC has a 417km WLTP range.

To a casual observer, the standard Volvo XC40 petrol on sale in India and the XC40 Recharge don’t look all that different. Standout design elements on the EV over its combustion engine counterpart include the sealed front grille and ‘Recharge’ badges. Instead of the traditional fuel-filling port, the EV gets a charging port in the same location.

The only other difference between the standard XC40 and its EV counterpart is the infotainment system – the XC40 Recharge’s comes with Google’s Android operating system. The unit also features Volvo On Call – the brand’s in-car connectivity tech – and is capable of receiving over-the-air updates.

Volvo XC40 Recharge: price and positioning

When the XC40 Recharge arrives, it’ll have no direct rivals and will also be the most affordable all-electric luxury SUV on sale. Larger luxury SUVs, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQC and the soon-to-arrive Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron, operate in a different space of contention, while at the lower end of the market sit the Hyundai Kona Electric, MG ZS EV and the Tata Nexon EV.

Considering the XC40 T4 petrol is priced at Rs 39.90 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India), expect the XC40 Recharge to cost significantly more. However, speaking to Autocar India, Charles Frump, managing director, Volvo Car India, has said, “We will be able to have a very good offer on the XC40 EV for the customers, compared to the petrol version. Of course, it’ll be more expensive, but I think the gap between the petrol and the BEV will be much less.”