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.
South Africa's automotive sector is set for a significant transformation as Chinese and Indian vehicle manufacturers prepare to shift from basic assembly operations to full-scale local production.
Lightstone Auto has rolled out a cutting-edge integration designed to transform how alternative lenders, rent-to-own providers and niche finance firms engage with dealerships.
Uber announced the next phase of its low-cost mobility journey with the expansion of its Uber Moto product to include Uber Go Electric in South Africa.
Advertisement
Advertisement
A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
Uber announced the next phase of its low-cost mobility journey with the expansion of its Uber Moto product to include Uber Go Electric in South Africa.
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) reached a major milestone in South Africa’s electric mobility transition with breaking ground for two off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast EV-charging stations along the N3 corridor.
BYD, China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, is preparing for a major international push, aiming to sell as many as 1.6 million cars outside its home market next year.
