Upgraded Volvo C40 Recharge CKD – Bigger Battery, More Range, RM288,888

Upgraded and locally assembled (CKD) 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge is now open for orders. Key upgrades lie in its uprated battery and powertrain.

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) have announced the availability of the upgraded 2024 model year version of the Volvo C40 Recharge. As a refresher, this is the sporty coupe-roofed twin of the XC40 Recharge EV SUV that launched locally back Dec 2022.

Through this announcement, it appears that this version still retains its current naming – the recently announced renaming to EC40 hasn’t taken affect just yet for this Malaysia-made (CKD) model. Changes are minimal, but there are some critical updates to note.

In its latest 2024MY guise, the C40 Recharge gains a larger new battery, plus a new and re-optimised dual-motor, AWD powertrain.

As a result, range has improved by over 100 KM to 550 KM, whilst DC fast-charging inputs have risen to a new 200 kW cap. The revised driveline also delivers  a new rear-biased drive dynamics too.

Key amongst the latter is the adoption of a slightly larger new battery pack with an increased 82 kWh capacity – it was 78 kWh previously, thus marking a 4 kWh bump. This gets paired with improved battery cooling, increased DC charging input ability, as well as uprated e-motor efficiency.

Altogether, VCM claims this 2024MY version of the C40 Recharge boasts over 100 KM range improvement, which now stands at a claimed 550 KM (WLTP) figure. For comparison, the model boasted a claimed 438 KM WLTP figure when it was first launched.

Total outputs remains unchanged from before at 402 HP (300 kW) and 670 NM. In turn, 0-100 KM/H sprint times also remain unchanged at 4.7 seconds.

As for charging, the upgraded C40 Recharge now accepts up to 200 kW DC charging input – a 50 KW increase from the previous limit. Despite being able to draw in more juice, 10-80% re-charge time remains similar as before – 27 minutes versus 28 minutes prior.

The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain setup is brand new but continues to output a combined total of 402 HP. VCM however notes that each motor – mounted over each axle – has been re-optimised, and it now sees front e-motor now developing 157 HP (117 KW) whilst the rear kicks out 245 HP (183 kW).

Combined torque remains unchanged at 670 NM, but VCM notes that the new rear-biased drive dynamics promises a more engaging drive characteristics. Unchanged here too is the C40 Recharge’s claimed 0-100 KM/H sprint time of 4.7 seconds.

Exterior changes are mild, but the 2024MY Volvo C40 Recharge is easily distinguished by its new pixel LED headlights, aerodynamic 19-inch wheels, plus the addition of a new 'Vapour Grey' paintjob option.

Elsewhere, the C40 Recharge has received minor styling revisions. Leading the changes here is the switch to new and sharper pixel LED headlights, new aerodynamic 19-inch alloy wheels design, and a new ‘Vapour Grey’ paintjob option added.

Beyond which, little else has changed with the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge, and each purchase continues to see VCM offer buyers with a 5-year complimentary access to its Digital Services. The latter enables access to Google Asssitant, Google Maps, Google Play Store, and the Volvo Cars app functions.

As for price, the news is pretty good here. Despite the improvements, the updated 2024MY Volvo C40 Recharge continues to be offered at the same price of RM288,888. The model is now open for orders through authorised dealers, as well as online through VCM’s online shopping portal.