Volvo Cars' twin electric models will receive a new drivetrain and extended range this year.
The 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge models get rear-wheel-drive variants that will arrive in U.S. stores by the fourth quarter.
The single-motor models feature an in-house developed permanent magnet e-motor on the rear axle and an 82-kilowatt-hour battery.
The energy-dense battery and 248-hp motor allow the C40 and XC40 to go 297 and 293 miles, respectively. The battery can also charge faster than the previous version, refilling from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 28 minutes.
Pricing was not disclosed.
Volvo dealer Matthew Haiken said the new variants address near- and long-term customer concerns about electric vehicles.
"Buyers today still consider range a key determining factor in purchase," said Haiken, owner of Prestige Collection, which operates two Volvo stores in East Hanover and Englewood, N.J. "But as we sell more EVs, the focus will shift from range to charging speed."
At the same time, Volvo will bring rear-wheel drive back to its models after a quarter of a century. Improvements to traction control systems combined with the battery pack's location help distribute vehicle weight more evenly, resulting in better handling, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
The configuration also gives engineers more flexibility when packaging the propulsion systems because the compact rear-mounted electric motor leaves more room for passengers and cargo.
