The Volvo C40 Recharge emerges as a pivotal model in Volvo Cars’ history, marking a definitive step towards an all-electric future. It’s not just an electric vehicle; it’s the first Volvo designed from the ground up exclusively as a pure electric model. This innovative approach, coupled with its online-centric sales model and comprehensive Care offer, positions the Volvo C40 as a trailblazer in the electric SUV coupe segment. Combining the elevated stance and practicality of an SUV with a sleek, lower profile, the C40 Recharge introduces cutting-edge design and features previously unseen in the Volvo lineup, appealing to a modern audience seeking both style and sustainability.
Robin Page, Head of Design at Volvo Cars, encapsulates the essence of the C40: “The C40 is a car that symbolises electrification and delivers on it. It has the personality of the XC40, which proved to be attractive to many, but it’s dialled up even more through its dynamic expression and sleek profile. It’s a really attractive product for people who are looking for the easy-to-live-with aspects of an SUV with more of a modern statement.” The Volvo C40 Recharge takes the beloved characteristics of the XC40 and elevates them with a more dynamic and streamlined aesthetic, catering to drivers who desire the versatility of an SUV with a bolder, contemporary edge.
The Distinctive Design DNA of the Volvo C40
Building on the robust foundation of the XC40, the Volvo C40 Recharge inherits a sense of strength and character while injecting athleticism and lightness into its design language. This evolution is evident in details like the signature Thor’s Hammer headlights, now enhanced with pixel LED technology. These advanced headlights automatically adapt to varying light conditions, intelligently adjusting and switching individual LEDs on or off to optimize the light pattern for enhanced visibility and safety. Similarly, the iconic vertical rear lights have been reimagined with a segmented structure. This modern interpretation of a classic Volvo design element presented an engineering challenge, requiring the seamless extension of a substantial lamp along the roofline, ultimately resulting in a striking and contemporary rear aesthetic for the Volvo C40.
From Sketch to Reality: The Creative Genesis of the C40
Much like the XC40, the Volvo C40’s journey began with a spontaneous sketch from a designer within the team. Yury Zamkavenka’s initial concept for the C40 resonated instantly, as described by T. Jon Mayer, Head of Exterior Design. “That doesn’t happen very frequently. When it does, it’s always some of the more characterful ideas that flourish, because it’s such a pure statement from that first sketch,” Mayer explains. He further emphasizes the unique appeal of the Volvo C40, noting how its commanding driving position, combined with its streamlined silhouette, becomes particularly striking when seen alongside other vehicles on the road.
T. Jon Mayer shares his personal favorite perspective of the Volvo C40: “One of my favourite views of the car is the rear seven-eighths, which gives you a view of the side and the coupé line profile. You see the SUV elements as it sits on these really big wheels, and it’s this tough little character but with a very sleek approach to the roof. It’s built upon the solidity of the XC40, but in a more dynamic way. These combinations give it a totally different expression, while still carrying on our DNA.” This viewpoint encapsulates the Volvo C40’s design philosophy – a blend of SUV robustness and coupe-like elegance, resulting in a distinctive and dynamic presence while staying true to Volvo’s core design principles.
Scandinavian Simplicity and Confidence in Form
The Volvo design DNA is deeply rooted in Scandinavian aesthetics, characterized by clean lines and functional beauty. Sections of the Volvo C40’s form are meticulously sculpted, creating a sense of purity, refinement, and understated confidence. This design philosophy communicates inherent solidity, which, according to T. Jon, subtly links to Volvo’s renowned safety reputation. “Subconsciously, this is a powerful beast that’s protective, yet we sculpt it in a way to make it as lightweight and efficient as possible,” he adds, highlighting the blend of robust safety and optimized efficiency in the Volvo C40’s design.
Interior Harmony: Nature, Light, and Sustainable Luxury
Drawing inspiration from the serene Scandinavian landscape, with its tranquil atmosphere, abundant light, and open spaces, the Volvo C40 Recharge’s interior design harmoniously blends with its confident exterior. A prominent feature is the large panoramic glass roof, which amplifies the cabin’s sense of spaciousness and airiness. This design choice maximizes daylight during shorter winter days and seamlessly merges the interior with the outside world during bright summer nights, enhancing the overall driving experience in the Volvo C40.
Lisa Reeves, Head of Interior Design, explains the influence of Scandinavian light on the Volvo C40’s cabin: “In Sweden, it’s dark and grey most of the year – but when the sun shines, the colours come to life much more vibrantly than anywhere else. The grass looks greener, the sea looks bluer. You see this reflected in the architecture here: houses have a lot of glass, designed to really let in the light and the open floor plans spread the light within the house. Light and nature are strong parts of the culture and are important themes for the C40 interior.” This cultural emphasis on light and nature is thoughtfully integrated into the Volvo C40’s interior ambiance.
The exclusive Fjord Blue color, inspired by the deep fjords of the Scandinavian west coast, seamlessly transitions from the exterior to the interior, creating a cohesive design language. This distinctive hue is featured prominently on the expansive carpeted areas, extending from the floor up to the sides of the tunnel console and front doors, establishing a unique and inviting foundation for the cabin. Adding to the interior’s visual depth, backlit translucent graphics on the dashboard and front door panels pay homage to the dramatic yet tranquil mountain landscapes of Sweden’s Abisko National Park.
Rekha Meena, Senior Design Manager for Colour and Material, elaborates on the inspiration behind these unique interior accents: “We traced the topography of the park and used the contours to create an abstract digitalised design with a layered pattern. When the light from LED lamps comes through across the surface it creates this really nice, atmospheric three-dimensional effect.” This innovative use of light and topographical patterns adds a sophisticated and immersive element to the Volvo C40’s interior.
Sustainable Materials: A Commitment to Eco-Conscious Luxury
Complementing the nature-inspired design, the Volvo C40 Recharge interior prioritizes sustainable materials, reflecting Volvo’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The topographic trim panels are partially crafted from recycled plastic, while the carpets are made entirely from 100 percent recycled PET plastic bottles. The Volvo C40 also marks a significant milestone as Volvo Cars’ first model to offer a completely leather-free interior. Upholstery options include naturally renewable wool fibers and a combination of suede textile (also derived from recycled plastic) and micro-tech material, providing luxurious and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional leather.
Rekha Meena emphasizes the material selection philosophy: “The colour and material team has strived to use smart, innovative and lightweight materials that are sustainable, matching both the design and driveline of the C40. With all these new technologies that are developing around us, the colour and material designers have more freedom to play around. Bio-based materials are more attractive and innovative than leather, and they make the car more sustainable.” This focus on sustainable and innovative materials underscores the Volvo C40’s position as a leader in eco-conscious automotive design.
The interior layout of the Volvo C40 Recharge is thoughtfully organized and функциональный, prioritizing practicality and ease of use. Mirroring the XC40’s ‘uncluttering’ approach, the C40 offers intelligent storage solutions for essential items within easy reach. Minimalism is a guiding principle throughout the cabin, particularly evident in the streamlined instrument panel, contributing to a clean and contemporary aesthetic in the Volvo C40.
Symbolism in Electric Design: Communicating the Future
The Volvo C40 Recharge goes beyond just using recycled materials and being fully electric; its design actively communicates its electric nature. Features blend symbolism with function to convey the message of electrification effectively. The new wheel design, inspired by the Volvo 360c concept car from 2018, enhances aerodynamics while contributing to the vehicle’s dynamic stance, aligning with its electric powertrain. The rear spoiler not only adds to the car’s visual appeal but also improves downforce, while the roofline is shaped to boost aerodynamic efficiency, functionally contributing to the Volvo C40’s driving range and visual distinctiveness.
Elements like the closed grill and the contrast roof further emphasize the Volvo C40’s electric identity. Robin Page explains the significance of the front fascia: “To symbolise the electric car, the face is really important. Part of our design language is about honesty, and the reality is that we don’t need a large air intake for an electric car. This car originates from the XC40, which did have a grill, so it’s not a case where we can just ignore that and do a super low, fully moulded front. And we wouldn’t want to do that on this car anyway, because the C40 has a characterful face. We achieved a good solution, with strong, pure graphical lines. Together with the contrast roof, which we’ll use to distinguish our 40 cluster electric cars, it’s one of the ingredients that communicates our journey towards full electrification.” The closed grill design and the contrast roof serve as visual cues, clearly signaling the Volvo C40’s all-electric powertrain and its role in Volvo’s broader electrification strategy.
Volvo Car Group in 2020
In 2020, Volvo Car Group achieved an operating profit of 8.5 BSEK, although it was lower than the 14.3 BSEK in 2019. Revenue for the year reached 262.8 BSEK, compared to 274.1 BSEK in the previous year. Global sales for the full year of 2020 totaled 661,713 cars, a 6.2 percent decrease from the 705,452 cars sold in 2019.
About Volvo Car Group
Founded in 1927, Volvo Cars has grown into a globally recognized and respected automotive brand. In 2020, the company sold 661,713 vehicles across approximately 100 countries. Volvo Cars has been under the ownership of Zhejiang Geely Holding since 2010.
As of December 2020, Volvo Cars employed around 40,000 full-time employees. The company’s headquarters, along with its product development, marketing, and administrative divisions, are primarily located in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Cars’ APAC headquarters is based in Shanghai. The company operates major car production facilities in Gothenburg (Sweden), Ghent (Belgium), South Carolina (USA), and Chengdu and Daqing (China). Engine manufacturing takes place in Skövde (Sweden) and Zhangjiakou (China), while body components are produced in Olofström (Sweden).
Volvo Cars’ overarching purpose is to provide customers with “Freedom to Move” in a manner that is personal, sustainable, and safe. This vision is driving several key business objectives: Volvo aims for half of its global sales to be fully electric vehicles by mid-decade, to conduct half of its global sales online, and to cultivate five million direct consumer relationships. Volvo Cars is also dedicated to continuous reduction of its carbon footprint, with a long-term ambition to become a climate-neutral company by 2040.
