Volvo C40 Recharge (EC40) Twin Pure Electric

Overview

The 2022 Volvo C40 Twin Pure Electric is a seriously stylish coupe-SUV that carved out its niche in the premium compact EV segment. As Volvo's first dedicated electric-only model, this AWD variant packs a punch with dual motors. It's all about blending that signature Scandinavian design with zippy performance and a commitment to sustainability. It was discontinued in 2022 for this specific configuration, but you can snag a used one for around €36,900 in the European market, making it a tempting proposition for a chic electric ride.

What's New for 2022?

The C40 itself was the big news for 2022, marking Volvo's bold step into EV-only territory. Based on the XC40 Recharge's underpinnings, it introduced a more rakish, coupe-like silhouette to the brand's electric family. The Twin Pure Electric was the headline act at launch, showcasing the C40's performance capabilities with its potent dual-motor AWD setup. It also pioneered Volvo’s leather-free interior initiative, emphasizing sustainable luxury from day one and came standard with the impressive Google Android Automotive OS infotainment system.

Design & Exterior

This Swede is a real head-turner! The C40 Twin Pure Electric boasts a dramatic sloping roofline that sets it apart from its boxier XC40 sibling. Up front, you get the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, while the rear features unique segmented tail lights that follow the car's coupe profile. It measures 4440 mm in length, 1873 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1596 mm tall. This top-tier trim often rolls on distinctive alloy wheels, and its standard Pixel LED headlights not only look sharp but intelligently light up the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the C40 Twin Pure Electric and you're greeted by a minimalist, eco-conscious cabin featuring high-quality, leather-free materials. Passenger space is good for five, though the sloping roofline slightly impacts rear headroom. For your gear, there's a 404-litre boot, expanding to a useful 1205 litres with the seats down, plus a handy 31-litre frunk under the bonnet. Tech is sorted with a slick, Google-powered infotainment system on a portrait touchscreen and a crisp digital driver’s display, offering seamless connectivity and navigation.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Twin Pure Electric is no slouch, bolting from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 4.7 seconds! This rocket-like thrust comes courtesy of its dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors – one on each axle – delivering a hefty 300 kW and 660 Nm of torque through an all-wheel-drive system. Top speed is capped at 180 km/h. Expect a planted, secure feel on the road thanks to AWD and a low centre of gravity, with a generally comfortable ride. One-pedal driving is a breeze, making city crawls super smooth.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering the C40 Twin Pure Electric is a 75 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of around 362 kilometres, with an efficiency of 4.83 km/kWh. For charging, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger will juice it up fully in about 7-8 hours overnight. Need a quick top-up? It supports DC fast charging at up to 150 kW via its CCS Type 2 port, meaning you can go from 10-80% in roughly 30-35 minutes, getting you back on the road swiftly.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Volvo's reputation for safety shines through, and the C40 proudly wears a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The Twin Pure Electric is kitted out with a comprehensive suite of driver aids. You'll likely find Volvo's Pilot Assist system as standard, bundling adaptive cruise control with lane centering for stress-free motorway miles. Other standard kit usually includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with auto brake, and a full array of collision avoidance systems, keeping you and yours well-protected on every journey.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Volvos typically come with a basic vehicle warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Crucially for an EV, the high-voltage battery in the C40 Twin Pure Electric is covered for a more extensive 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, usually with a guarantee against excessive degradation (e.g., to maintain at least 70% capacity). Electric powertrain components often share this longer warranty. Maintenance is generally simpler and less frequent than petrol cars, contributing to lower running costs over time.