Volvo Cars has launched the new electric Volvo C40 Recharge - the first Volvo model designed as pure electric only.

Following the introduction of the XC40 Recharge and now the C40 Recharge, Volvo Cars will roll out several additional electric models in the coming years.

Already by 2025, it aims for 50 per cent of its global sales volume to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest hybrids. By 2030, it plans for every car it sells to be pure electric.

The propulsion consists of twin electric motors, one on the front and one on the rear axle, powered by a 78kWh battery that can be fast charged to 80 per cent in about 40 minutes. It offers an anticipated range of around 261 miles, which is expected to improve over time via over-the-air software updates.

The fully electric C40 Recharge will be available online only. In line with its ambition of reducing complexity in its model offering and focussing on attractive pre-selected variants, Volvo Cars has drastically simplified the consumer offering of the C40 Recharge.

When customers get a new C40 Recharge, it will come with a convenient care package that includes items such as servicing, warranty, roadside assistance, as well as insurance and home charging options.

“The C40 Recharge represents the future of Volvo and shows where we are going,” said Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo Cars. “It is fully electric, offered online only with a convenient care package and will be available for quick delivery. Getting a new Volvo was never this attractive.”

The C40 Recharge will go into production this autumn and will be built alongside the XC40 Recharge at the Volvo Cars manufacturing plant in Ghent, Belgium.