Volvo C40 Recharge (EC40) Pure Electric

Overview

The 2022 Volvo C40 Pure Electric swooped in as Volvo's stylish, coupe-SUV EV alternative, rocking a distinctive look. This specific single-motor, front-wheel-drive 'Pure Electric' trim aimed for efficiency and a sleek entry into premium electric motoring. It boasts Volvo's signature safety and a cool, sustainable interior. While this particular trim was primarily an EU offering, and official US pricing from new isn't available from the provided data, it showcases Volvo's early electric coupe ambitions. It was discontinued after 2022, so you'd be looking at the used market, if you could find one Stateside.

What's New for 2022?

For 2022, the C40 line itself was a fresh face, marking Volvo's first dedicated EV design with that rakish roofline. This 'Pure Electric' front-wheel-drive variant, produced from 2021 to 2022, was part of its initial European lineup. Key for its time was the standard Google Android Automotive infotainment system – a big step up in in-car tech, bringing Google Maps and Assistant built-in. No major year-over-year changes for this specific trim in its short run, as it was a foundational model setting the C40 stage before other powertrain options became more widespread.

Design & Exterior

Volvo's C40 Pure Electric is a real head-turner, ditching the boxy tradition for a super-slick coupe-SUV silhouette. You get those iconic 'Thor's Hammer' LED headlights up front and a uniquely patterned, covered grille because, well, no engine to cool! The rear lights are pure art, cascading down the tailgate. Measuring 174.8 inches long, 73.7 inches wide (mirrors excluded), and 62.8 inches high, it’s compact yet imposing. This FWD version keeps the same dapper styling as its AWD siblings, proving entry-level doesn't mean skimping on cool.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the C40 Pure Electric, it’s all Scandinavian chic and sustainability – Volvo even offered a slick 100% leather-free interior! The Google-based infotainment system, with its portrait touchscreen, is a gem, offering seamless navigation and voice control, plus Apple CarPlay. Up front, space is great for its five occupants, though that sloping roofline might make taller folks duck a bit in the back. You get a practical 15 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 49 cubic feet with seats down, plus a handy 1.1 cubic foot frunk for your charge cables!

Performance & Driving Experience

This single-motor C40 Pure Electric delivers a respectable punch! With its front-wheel-drive setup powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, you're looking at 170 kW (around 228 hp) and 243 lb-ft of instant torque. That’s good for a 0-60 mph dash in a tidy 7.1 seconds, with a top speed of 99 mph. It's more about smooth, refined progress than outright tire-shredding, offering a comfy ride and easy-to-master one-pedal driving. It’s a chilled-out cruiser, perfect for city sprints and relaxed highway miles, with a 2000 lb braked towing capacity.

Range, Battery & Charging

The C40 Pure Electric packs a 67 kWh usable battery, good for a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 232 miles – decent for daily duties. Efficiency is rated at a solid 3.46 mi/kWh. For charging, its 400V system supports up to 11 kW AC charging, meaning a full top-up overnight. Hook it up to a DC fast charger, and it can slurp juice at up to 150 kW. While the provided data specifies a CCS Type 2 port (Euro standard), a US version would typically feature a CCS Type 1 connector.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Being a Volvo, safety is absolutely paramount. This C40 Pure Electric variant benefits from Volvo's legendary safety engineering, reflected in its 5-star Euro NCAP rating. While US NHTSA ratings for this specific trim aren't in the provided data, the general 2022 C40 Recharge earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. You can expect a comprehensive suite of standard driver aids like collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving was typically available, making highway cruising a breeze.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Volvo typically backs its EVs with solid coverage. For the US market, you'd generally expect a comprehensive vehicle warranty around 4 years/50,000 miles. The crucial battery warranty is usually 8 years/100,000 miles, covering against significant degradation. Powertrain components are often covered under this as well. Volvo often included a few years of complimentary scheduled maintenance for US buyers, which is a nice perk. Volvos are generally well-built, and EVs like this C40 Pure Electric benefit from fewer moving parts, promising decent reliability for the long haul.