Volvo Introduces New Electric XC40 SUV
Fully Electric Volvo XC40 SUV Heralds New Electric Future and Does More with Less
Sometimes less really is more: the forthcoming battery-powered Volvo XC40 SUV, Volvo’s first fully electric car, proves that Volvo cars can be made even better by taking certain things away.
The advance of electric cars constitutes the biggest change in the history of the automobile. For the first time in over a century, cars move without a petrol or diesel engine in the engine bay and have a battery in the floor, changing the car at its core.
It also means cars no longer need tailpipes or a large grille for cooling purposes, while the removal of an internal combustion engine creates extra room for even more storage space under the front hood.
Unique to the electric XC40, a special front-load compartment (or ‘frunk’) located under the front hood provides around 30 litres of extra load space because an electric motor takes less space than a combustion engine.
A unique, covered front grille in the body colour creates a distinct visual identity at the front of the car, made possible by the fact that an electric car needs less air flow for cooling purposes. The grille also neatly packages the sensors for the new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensor platform.
At the same time, the fully electric XC40 retains all the features that have made it one of Volvo’s best-selling models. It also embraces the elegant, Scandinavian design language that has defined Volvo’s rebirth and combines good looks with utility and functionality.
“The roots of Scandinavian design are based on visual clarity and the reduction of element. The XC40 is a great example of this,” said Robin Page, head of design at Volvo. “Its bold, instantly recognisable design is now even sleeker and more modern in the all-electric version. Without the need for a grille, we have created an even cleaner and more modern face, while the lack of tailpipes does the same at the rear. This is the approach we will explore more and more as we continue down the road of electrification.”
Eight exterior colours, including a brand new Sage Green metallic option, allow drivers to personalise their electric XC40, while a contrasting black roof comes as standard. Two new 19” and 20” wheel options provide further opportunity for personalisation.
The battery-powered XC40, first previewed in the electric 40.1 Concept vehicle of 2016, is also an example of smart Volvo engineering. Based on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which was designed from the outset with electrification in mind, the battery pack is integrated into the floor of the car without affecting interior space.
New Zealand launch timing and pricing are yet to be confirmed. Customers are advised to register their interest with their local authorised Volvo retailer.
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