Volvo XC40 WILL be Volvo’s first ELECTRIC car
The Volvo XC40 will be the first battery electric car from Volvo and will arrive in 2019 after the Polestar 2. It will be followed by an electric XC90.
What we also thought we knew, and now know we’re right, is that the first battery electric car from Volvo will be an electric Volvo XC40.
Speaking to Autocar, Volvo’s Thomas Ingenlath has confirmed that the electric XC40 will be Volvo’s first production electric car, and it will arrive shortly after the Polestar 2 – also a BEV – is revealed next year. It will be followed by an electric version of the next generation XC90.
Ingenlath was keen to point out that Volvo will not be following the route of other car makers by developing a range of standalone electric cars, but will be using an EV powertrain as an option across its whole range. Of which we approve.
What we also know, although Ingenlath didn’t confirm it, is that Volvo will offer at least two different sizes of battery packs in the XC40 EV, with an entry-level model offering less power and range for those who want an EV for around town, and a more powerful model with a bigger range for the rest of us.
Volvo has also trademarked the names P5 through to P10 which we’re assuming denote different battery and power ranges for the BEVs, covering all models from the 40 Series to the 90 Series.
And don’t be surprised if even the electric Volvos offer a Polestar Engineered version too.
Mark Geller says
Brillant. This is a company thinking straight. Stand-alones are fine, but it’s a real value proposition when you can walk in to a showroom and say l like that model, how does it come powertrain wise? Less confusing for those who are not electric literate. 2 ranges make great sense as well, although if there isn’t much price difference, l don’t see that as necessary. That’s strictly a pricing issue.
Peter Abatan. says
Volvo has the best ideas on developing EVs. It is far better than just developing a range of standalone electric vehicles. I think VW is taking the same approach too with what I have seen so far.