Volvo V40 electric concept takes aim at Tesla Model 3
V40.2 concept boasts 217 miles of electric range
Volvo has unveiled its V40.2 concept. Featuring an all electric powertrain and utilising Volvo's new Compact Modular Architecture, the concept forms the basis for the new V40 road car.
Volvo's decision to announce the concept as an all electric vehicle comes following the brand's commitment to sell no less than one million cars with a part electric powertrain by 2025. The new V40 will no doubt make up part of that sales plan.
The electric motor powers the V40.2's front wheels and uses a battery pack mounted under the vehicle floor. There's talk of the CMA architecture supporting an electrically powered rear-axle, as well as four-wheel drive variants, which could make for some interesting driving dynamics. No performance statistics have been confirmed yet however.
In terms of design, the V40.2 concept echoes the 'Thor's hammer' daytime running lights seen on the bigger XC90 SUV. The current-generation V40 takes on a more conventional hatchback look and feel compared to the concept, which is much more like a crossover.
Volvo also unveiled a XC40.1 concept, which is a precursor to its small XC40 family SUV.
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Obvious rivals include the likes of the BMW 1 Series, VW Golf and Audi Q1 and Q2, although given the concept's all electric powertrain, it's also a potential Tesla Model 3 rival.
Final production road cars will feature a mix of three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines with the potential of hybrid power in the form of a new T5 Twin Engine motor which could potentially put out as much as 300bhp.
