Volvo has announced a new single-motor variant of its XC40 Recharge, the all-electric version of its XC40 crossover.
What's Volvo done?
The new variant will feature a motor powering the front wheels only and delivering 231hp from a 69kWh battery. According to Volvo, the single-motor version will be capable of 400km of range on a single charge. Where fast charging is available, owners will be able to top-up the battery from 10 per cent charge to 80 per cent in around 32 minutes.
Overall performance isn't down significantly on the dual-motor model; the battery may be smaller but given that it's powering just a single motor, range remains the same.
Lower prices
That reduction in battery size and the number of motors has reduced the complexity of the single-motor electric XC40, which has allowed Volvo to reduce the price.
The single-motor version will start from €50,508, though with a €5,000 SEAI grant, the cost to the buyer will start from €45,508. That's compared to the dual-motor XC40 whose prices start at just under €65,000.
The cheaper model will, according to Volvo, help the company in its "ambition to help more people make the switch to fully electric cars."
Other improvements
Since the introduction of the XC40 Recharge last year, Volvo has made a number of improvements and updates to the software and drivetrain in order to improve efficiency and range. For existing XC40 owners, these updates will be available via over-the-air updates.
Other changes to the newest models include an upgraded infotainment system, powered by Android, which offers buyers access to Google's suite of technology and services like Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play.
New XC40s will, over time, also receive over-the-air updates in order to keep the car "evolving and improving over time, rather than being at its peak when it leaves the factory."
Care package
Buyers of new XC40s will receive a so-called "Care Offer" which includes servicing, roadside assistance, a warranty and a €500 contribution towards their insurance.
The single-motor XC40 is available to order now and production will begin in the autumn.