Volvo Re-Introduces Rear-Wheel Drive To Its Lineup

Volvo has not sold a vehicle powered by rear-wheel drive since the 1990s, so it is a little nostalgic today to report that the brand is bringing it back in the format of an electric vehicle. Two existing electric vehicles, in fact – the XC40 and C40 Recharge. As part of a light refresh for the 2023 model year, Volvo is introducing two single-motor rear-wheel drive variants that will help lower the entry price and create a more efficient electric car in the process. The standard version will be powered by a 69-kWh battery and a 235-horsepower electric motor. The more potent version will be powered by a 82-kWh battery and a 248-horsepower electric motor. The new two-phase onboard AC charger boosts charging power to 6.4 kW.

There also updated specs for the dual-motor models for 2023, but we’re focusing on the new stuff, here. Volvo claims that the rear-wheel drive CX40 and C40 Recharge with the 69-kWh battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 34 minutes at up to 130-kW at DC fast charging stations. The 82-kWh battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just about 28 minutes thanks to a maximum of 200-kW DC fast charging. Both C40 and XC40 RWD will do 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds, with the smaller battery providing roughly 240-245 miles of range and the larger providing closer to 275-280 miles.

More on the 2023 XC40 and C40 Recharge with rear-wheel drive here.