South African consumers can look forward to another addition to the local EV stage in 2023.
Volvo Car South Africa announced on 6 December that the new fully electric C40 Recharge is scheduled to join its range of electrified vehicles in the first half of 2023.
The C40 Recharge will offer many of the benefits of an SUV but with a lower and sleeker design. The vehicle is based on the CMA platform and is the first Volvo model in history designed as pure electric only.
The twin-motor version boasts an electric motor on each axle, powered by a 78 kWh (nominal output) lithium-ion battery pack offering a single-charge range of up to 451 km, according to the WLTP driving cycle. Peak outputs stand at a lofty 300 kW and 660 Nm, which facilitate a rapid 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.7 seconds.
Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, says he believes the C40 Recharge will prove popular with local buyers who are increasingly considering fully electric vehicles.
“Our initial allocations of both the XC40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge Twin were snapped up in double-quick time. We expect the new C40 Recharge to resonate just as strongly with South Africans looking to switch to battery-powered vehicles,” says Maruszewski.
Besides the C40 Recharge’s eco-credentials – bolstered by the fact it’s the first Volvo model to be completely free of leather – the newcomer is defined by its particularly striking rear-end design, which complements the low roof line.
Inside, the C40 Recharge provides its driver with the high seating position and also offers Volvo’s Android-powered touchscreen infotainment system, complete with built-in Google apps and services. Like all tested Volvo models on sale today, the C40 Recharge furthermore features a full 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.
The C40 Recharge is another step on Volvo’s journey towards becoming a fully electric brand by 2030.
Local pricing and specifications for the C40 Recharge will be announced closer to the launch in South Africa in the first half of 2023.
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Nissan’s decision to drop a planned $500 million investment in electric vehicle (EV) production at its Canton, Mississippi plant is the latest indication that established manufacturers are reassessing how quickly the market will shift to battery power.
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) welcomes the government’s extension of short term fuel levy relief measures aimed at cushioning consumers from rising fuel prices, but cautions that these interventions do not address the underlying structural challenge facing South Africa’s transport economy.
Volvo Cars has started building the fully electric EX60 at its Torslanda factory outside Gothenburg, with first customer deliveries due in early summer.
