Volvo Cars Korea has launched the 2024 C40 Recharge for sale.
The C40 Recharge, developed as the brand’s first dedicated electric vehicle model, combines a dynamic new character hinting at performance, the advantages of an SUV, advanced connectivity, and a 100% pure electric powertrain. Aimed at the digital generation who prefer strong personal expression and a personalized journey, it debuted globally in 2021. Since then, regular deliveries began last year, and it has now established itself as a representative model of the brand’s electrification vision, leading the premium electric vehicle market with a 167% increase in cumulative global sales in the first half of this year.
The newly unveiled 2024 model features significant improvements in driving range and energy efficiency through technology updates, equipped with front and rear electric motors and the next-generation TMAP infotainment service 2.0 based on ICT technology.
The powertrain is offered in a single trim called Recharge Twin, providing dynamic performance. It combines a 78kWh battery with dual electric motors, one for the front and one for the rear axle, an all-wheel drive system (AWD), and an electronic shifting system (Shift-By-Wire).
The 2024 model adopts different e-motors of 150 horsepower and 258 horsepower, replacing the previous 204-horsepower motor that was used equally on both axles. This maintains a total output of 408 horsepower while improving the maximum driving range on a single charge to 407 km (combined), which is an increase of 51 km compared to the previous 356 km. Furthermore, energy efficiency has also improved by approximately 12%, achieving a combined mileage of 4.6 km/kWh (urban 5.0 km/kWh / highway 4.2 km/kWh) compared to the previous 4.1 km/kWh (combined / urban 4.4 km/kWh / highway 3.7 km/kWh). Charging time has also been reduced by about 6 minutes compared to the existing model, allowing for a quicker charge time of 34 minutes from 10% to 80% (at 150kW DC).
The integrated vehicle infotainment service developed in collaboration with TMAP Mobility is also updated to offer enhanced safety and personalized mobility experiences using advanced ICT technology. This high-tech connectivity feature allows users to explore maps and information, play music, manage phone and text messages, set vehicle functions, and utilize NUGU smart home through voice commands (Aria).
The next-generation TMAP infotainment service 2.0 supports TMAP 2.0, enabling real-time traffic signal information, remaining signal time, and optimal crossing speeds utilizing Seoul’s next-generation Intelligent Transportation System (C-ITS). Additionally, it includes TMAP Store, which supports various third-party apps such as full-screen web browsers, audiobooks, and news, alongside an AI service called NUGU Auto 2.0 that enhances personalized experiences.
When searching for a destination, it will provide information on the expected battery remaining and driving range, automatically recommend nearby charging stations and route settings, and monitor battery status. The newly added ‘EV Hot Key’ specifically for electric vehicle users allows real-time checking of the number of available chargers at nearby charging stations, the number of vehicles heading to the charging stations, and ground images of charging stations. Furthermore, the payment methods will be unified among different charging station operators, and in-car payments for charging fees will be introduced within the year.
In addition, basic offerings include a digital key to check interior temperature settings and battery levels, reserve charging schedules, ‘Volvo Cars App’, and ‘Volvo Assistant’ to resolve issues that arise during driving in real-time.
Moreover, features which include single-pedal drive for acceleration and deceleration, an ADAS-based advanced driver assistance system with the latest sensor platform, advanced air purification with PM 2.5 sensors and particle filters, and a clean zone interior are also included for superior safety and convenience.
Yoon-mo Lee, CEO of Volvo Cars Korea, stated, “The C40 Recharge is an all-electric vehicle designed to allow customers to feel free between dynamic driving and responsibility towards the environment,” and added, “We hope you experience the true freedom of mobility offered by the Swedish smart car through the new model, which features increased driving range and a more personalized user experience.”
The selling price for the 2024 C40 Recharge Twin is 68,650,000 won (after eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits, excluding subsidies), and basic offerings include a 5-year or 100,000 km warranty (whichever comes first), a maintenance service, 5 years of free LTE, a 1-year subscription to the music platform FLO, 15 years of free OTA (over-the-air updates), and an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty for the high-voltage battery.
Jang-jin Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr