Daily Tribune
C40 Recharge takes a more coupe styling, with a swept-back roofline. The twin-motor AWD system pushes out 408 horsepower. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Volvo
THE XC40 Recharge is the more rugged-looking twin of the two. Underneath, they share the same drivetrain. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Volvo
Volvo Philippines is stepping into a greener future with the scheduled launch of its all-electric models: The Volvo C40 Recharge Twin and the XC40 Recharge Twin — on 4 October.
Volvo cars aims to pivot to a fully electric car manufacturer by the close of the decade, and these models play an essential role in that ambition.
"We believe it's time for the Philippine market to discover the benefits of driving a pure electric Volvo car and experience for themselves what sustainable mobility is," Volvo Philippines president and CEO Atty. Albert Arcilla said.
Taking center stage in this transition are the electric "twins," the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge, built on the same platform and designed with identical dimensions.
But similarities extend beyond the frame. Both cars run on twin motors, putting out 408 horsepower and 660 Nm of torque.
These all-wheel-drive variants show promising advancements in range, largely due to their robust 82 kWh battery pack and more efficient battery cooling systems.
The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD can now cover a distance of up to 537 kilometers on a single charge, while the C40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD has seen its range boosted to 549 kilometers from its initial 447 kilometers.
"Leading the Charge" — that could very well be Volvo Cars' electrification motto. The automaker has pledged to sell only pure electric cars by 2030, and by 2025, they plan for half of their global volume to be pure electric cars. Their future vehicle lineup also aims to set new industry safety standards.
While the twins share many features, there are defining characteristics that distinguish the C40 Recharge from its sibling, the XC40 Recharge.
The C40's coupe-like, sloping roofline and distinctive tail light design contribute to its sleek and dynamic look. Conversely, the XC40 offers greater headroom in the rear, a functional advantage over the C40's aesthetic form.
Enhancements to the exterior also deserve mention. A redesigned front bumper and a frameless grille plate ensure the XC40 Recharge aligns with the C40 Recharge in visual aesthetics.
Both cars will feature Volvo Cars' signature Thor's Hammer headlights, now further improved with state-of-the-art pixel LED light technology. This addition allows the lights to adapt automatically to varying traffic conditions without impairing the vision of other road users.
The inclusion of new 19-inch alloy wheels in both models completes the picture.
These wheels aren't merely cosmetic; they also contribute to the cars' efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag, demonstrating Volvo's comprehensive approach to vehicle design, where form truly follows function.
"We are thrilled to introduce two purely electrifying models — the Volvo C40 and the Volvo XC40. These models embody Volvo Cars' commitment to sustainable mobility and our vision for the future of electric driving in the Philippines," Arcilla added.
Volvo upped the ante in 2022 by introducing a lineup of mild hybrid vehicles, marking themselves as the first luxury car brand with an all-electrified range in the Philippines.
