The Volvo XC40 Recharge’s India Launch Has Been Delayed

• The Volvo XC40 Recharge will now launch in early 2022.
• The all-electric SUV is powered by dual motors developing 408PS and 660Nm.
• Has a WLTP-claimed range of 418km.
• Infotainment system runs on Google’s Android OS.
• Likely to be priced from around Rs 60 lakh onwards.

Volvo India has deferred the launch of the all-electric XC40 Recharge in India from October 2021 to early 2022. The reason for this move can be attributed to the global semiconductor shortage, which has been haunting plenty of carmakers. Even the commencement of bookings has been delayed from June 2021 to early next year. 

The XC40 Recharge will kickstart Volvo’s electric journey in the country. The electric SUV uses the same architecture as the petrol-powered XC40, however it comes with an electric motor instead of a petrol engine. 

The electric SUV’s 78kWh battery pack powers two electric motors developing 408PS and 660Nm driving all four wheels, and allowing for a 0-100kmph sprint of just 4.9 seconds. Interestingly, the two electric motors develop a power figure equivalent to two 2-litre petrol engines found in the petrol-powered XC40. 

As with all luxury EVs, the XC40 boasts of fast charging, and can be juiced up from 0-80 percent in 40 minutes. It can do up to 419km in a single charge as per the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle. 

Also Read: The 1000PS Mean Metal Motors Azani Is India’s First All-Electric Supercar

The XC40 Recharge gets a few unique design elements, with the most noticeable one being the closed-off grille for better aerodynamics. Also, the SUV sits on slightly larger alloy wheels,  to differentiate it from the petrol model. 

The cabin layout, though, remains pretty similar between both models. The only difference is that the XC40 Recharge runs on a much more advanced Google Android OS infotainment system with built-in Google apps. You can read more about the infotainment system here. 

This news does come as slightly disappointing for those who had their eyes set on the XC40 Recharge. But when it goes on sale later, we reckon it will be priced around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price, it won’t have any direct rivals save for the more expensive Audi e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC, and the Jaguar I-Pace.