Volvo Car Australia’s two all-electric models outsold luxury rivals in 2022, besting the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Here’s the lowdown.

Volvo Car Australia sold 1474 electric vehicles in 2022, ahead of luxury rivals including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, Jaguar, Mini and Porsche.
The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric accounted for 983 cars sold in Australia in 2022, with the C40 Recharge selling 491 since launching last September. The two all-electric models now make up 13.8 per cent of Volvo Car Australia’s total sales, pulling ahead of Volvo Cars’ global average of 10.9 per cent. For December, sales of Volvo Car Australia’s pure electric vehicles <a href="https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/volvo-sold-more-evs-than-ice-cars-in-australia-last-month#article_comments">actually outsold internal combustion engine models for the first time ever</a>.
In 2023, Volvo Car Australia aims to more than double its EV sales amid soaring demand from drivers aiming to switch to a more sustainable choice. For those considering buying an electric vehicle, here’s a snapshot of Volvo’s current all-electric models.

Power, range, performance
Both of the XC40 and C40 Recharge pure electrics offer similar specification and performance choices.
The XC40 Recharge comes in single or dual-motor variants. The single motor option is front wheel drive, has a 69kWh battery and delivers 170kW of power with 330Nm of torque. It goes from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds and can travel up to 510km* on a single charge – but that is dependent on weather and battery conditions, traffic and driving style. Real world range will vary as a result.
The dual-motor Twin is all-wheel drive, has a 78kWh battery and delivers 300kW of power with 660Nm of torque. It goes from 0-100km/h in a crisp 4.9 seconds. Driving range is up to 450km* on a single charge, though the same caveats apply around climate and battery condition, traffic and driving style.
The C40 Recharge also comes in single or dual-motor variants. The single motor P6 delivers 170kW of power with 330Nm of torque and goes from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds. Its 69kWh battery can enable up to 540km* on a single charge, depending on weather and battery conditions and driving style.
The twin motor P8 packs 300kW of power and 660 Nm of torque and does 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds. Driving range via the 78kWh battery is up to 500Km* on a single charge – with the standard caveats around environmental and battery conditions and driving style.

Impressing the press
The performance aspect struck a chord with Australia’s motoring press, universally impressed with the C40 Recharge in testing the new model ahead of launch. Sampling a Twin Motor all-wheel-drive variant with a 78kWh battery, reviewers underlined its responsiveness:
“… Both off the line and on the move the levels of urge available everywhere is quite astonishing,” wrote John Mahoney for Carsales. “This makes for a small SUV that is never left wanting in the performance department.”
Wheels magazine’s Dan Gardner agreed: “Rolling acceleration feels almost more aggressive than off-the-mark with a cleverly calibrated throttle that damps big inputs at low speed for smoother driving and lively responsiveness when up and moving.”
As did Damien Read of CarExpert: “As impressive as its standing start is, the real fun comes from its overtaking punch from 50km/h to 100km/h and beyond.
“Merging onto a motorway entices challenges with much bigger, brawnier cars and they lost every time. It gives you supercar-like confidence to merge into the outside lane quickly and silently place a football field between yourself and those that were around you a few seconds earlier.”
The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric has garnered similar plaudits. Per Carsguide’s Tom White:
“The XC40 Recharge is ridiculously powerful for its size class. It’s nearly twice as powerful as the nearest combustion version of this car and packs a Tesla-rattling punch from its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup.
“It’s always nice to see something with more power than it needs, especially with all the added weight of its massive 78kWh battery pack.
“For a car with such a quiet demeanour, the straight-line performance is ridiculous … Ultimately, this is a little SUV that has only been improved by electrification from behind the wheel.”
In summary, White adds:
“To me the <a href="https://www.volvocars.com/au/v/cars/xc40-electric">XC40 Recharge</a> … is a more appealing offering than something like the similarly equipped and priced Mercedes-Benz EQA, with the Recharge feeling particularly coherent for an EV on a combustion platform.”
Ready to switch? Find out more
Both the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and C40 Recharge come with huge safety and design specifications as standard, plus a full range of options.
They also include one of the best infotainment systems on the market, jointly developed with Google and based on the Android operating system, providing consumers with Google apps and services built-in, with a four-year digital services subscription included as standard.
If you’re considering making the switch to zero tailpipe emissions in 2023, get the lowdown on the <a href="https://www.volvocars.com/au/v/cars/xc40-electric">XC40 Recharge here</a> and the <a href="https://www.volvocars.com/au/cars/c40-electric/">C40 Recharge here</a>.
<ul>
<li>Figures according to ADR 81/02 are derived from laboratory testing, which is not carried out on every individual vehicle sold by Volvo. Factors including but not limited to driving style, road and traffic conditions, environmental influences, vehicle condition and accessories fitted, means in the real world the range you experience can differ from that advertised. Advertised figures are meant for comparison purposes.</li>
</ul>
Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.

The XC40 and C40 Recharge: The EVs outperforming luxury rivals

Some carmakers are seeking subscription fees for heated seats and faster acceleration. Volvo Car Chief Commercial Officer Björn Annwall thinks that’s a hard sell.

Volvo is making a major push to be a leader in new technologies while committing to selling only electric vehicles, but unlike rival carmakers has no plans to lock customers into subscriptions for minor software upgrades such as heated seats and faster acceleration.
The company officially opened its new technology hub in Stockholm last month, a statement of its intent to make software and tech the defining aspect of all future cars. Volvo is now recruiting hundreds of software engineers and data scientists to enable that ambition – many of whom will be based at the Stockholm tech hub, with others deployed at dedicated tech hubs in Bangalore, India and Sunnyvale US.
The world’s business, tech and motoring press descended on Stockholm to mark the hub’s opening – and Volvo Car Chief Commercial Officer and deputy CEO <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-22/volvo-will-steer-clear-of-charging-for-just-any-software-update">Björn Annwall’s interview with Bloomberg’s Stefan Nicola and Rafaela Lindeberg</a> suggests that Volvo will steer clear of charging customers for minor upgrades.

Asked whether Volvo had any plans to emulate <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-04/bmw-bets-the-fuss-over-its-heated-seat-subscriptions-will-pass#xj4y7vzkg">BMW in charging a subscription fee for heated seats</a>, or <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-24/mercedes-to-charge-a-1-200-fee-to-make-its-cars-go-faster#xj4y7vzkg">Mercedes-Benz, which is charging $1,200 for an update that provides faster acceleration</a>, Annwall said there are no plans to take that approach.

“If you are to charge for software updates, it must be a step change in consumer benefit,” Annwall told Bloomberg. “We will not ask people who have bought a car for 1 million kronor ($96,500) to pay another 10 kronor to get extra heat in the seat.”
But autonomous driving will likely command an upgrade fee, he indicated, with Volvo Cars aiming to bring commercial autonomous products to market mid-decade.
“You don’t have to hold the steering wheel,” said Annwall, “now that’s a step change in user benefit.”
While there is uncertainty around the timings of autonomous driving, both technical and regulatory, Volvo Cars this month deepened its partnership with Google to develop more powerful semi-autonomous driving functionality while also taking full ownership of autonomous driving (AD) software development firm Zenseact.

Subscription fatigue: Volvo says customers should only pay for major tech upgrades

Google has mapped the world. But its HD mapping technology takes that one step further, and a deal with Volvo means cars will literally see around corners.


Google has mapped the world. But its HD mapping technology takes that one step further, and a deal with Volvo means cars will literally see around corners.
Volvo’s cars have always been synonymous with safety, with numerous driver assist features now included as standard. A strengthening of the carmaker’s relationship with Google, takes that one step further and – along with Volvo Cars taking full ownership of autonomous driving (AD) software development subsidiary, Zenseact – ultimately paves the way for autonomous driving.
The Google deal means the upcoming Volvo EX90 electric 7-seater SUV will take assisted driving a big step further by integrating Google’s HD map with Volvo’s lidar, cameras and radars with Google’s precise lane level and localisation data.
In the near-term, that means the car’s sensors and systems are designed to provide smarter assisted driving functions by better recognising the road environment in detail – both what’s immediately in front of you and around you, and at longer distances, beyond the twists and turns ahead.
In the longer-term, it paves the way for autonomous driving functionality, with Australian lawmakers aiming to <a href="https://www.ntc.gov.au/sites/default/files/assets/files/NTC%20Policy%20Paper%20-%20regulatory%20framework%20for%20automated%20vehicles%20in%20Australia.pdf">deliver a regulatory framework that would allow autonomous driving by 2026</a>.
Volvo Car COO and Deputy CEO, Javier Varela, thinks that represents a win-win.

“Implementing Google HD Maps in our upcoming cars will help us offer our drivers a more enjoyable driving experience and in future contribute to the introduction of safe autonomous driving.” he said.
While Google has mapped virtually the entire world, Google’s VP and General Manager of Geo Automotive, Jorgen Behrens, said the new HD map is specifically designed for carmakers – providing the data “that is crucial to powering the next generation of assisted and autonomous driving systems”.
Volvo Cars has broader ambitions within assisted and safe autonomous driving, which is why the company last month took full ownership of Zenseact, with the tech firm a key enabling plank both for Volvo – and ultimately other carmakers.
“Zenseact is proud to work alongside Volvo Cars and Google on the implementation of this game-changing technology for assisted, and later on, autonomous driving,” said Ödgärd Andersson, Chief executive officer of Zenseact. “It will play an important role in our journey towards zero collisions.”
Google, Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.

Google has mapped the world. But its HD mapping technology takes that one step further, and a deal with Volvo means cars will literally see around corners.

Autonomous driving: Google HD Maps deal signals road ahead

As Volvo Cars’ electric vehicle sales start to ramp-up, here’s what you need to know about charging your EV at home or on the move.

Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are starting to take off in Australia. VFACTS data shows EV sales increased a whopping 769 per cent January to November this year versus the same period last year.
Efforts are ramping up to build out charging infrastructure to enable the rapid growth of EVs to continue to accelerate and ultimately replace diesel and petrol-engine cars.
Last month, work commenced on the world’s longest EV highway in Western Australia, with 98 fast chargers at 49 locations across 6,600km – from Kununurra in the north, to Esperance in the south, and east to Eucla. When complete in 2024, it means drivers will never be more than 200km from a charger even in some pretty remote territory. (Volvo’s pure electric models are capable of up to double that distance on a single charge.)
There are also some handy maps that show the locations of public EV chargers around Australia, such as NSW Government’s charging map, which flags both standard public charging stations as well as high powered, faster chargers across the country.
Volvo Cars also come with Google Maps as standard so drivers can plan routes, locate charging stations and take the stress out of the journey.

Charging types: Home
 
Household connector: Many drivers mostly charge their EV at home. Volvo Cars pure electric C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge can actually be charged from a standard plug point and come with a standard charging cable. But, with a typical charging rate of 7-14km per hour, it takes between a day and a half and three days (40-72 hours) to fully charge a pure electric vehicle via standard cable and plug point. A 12-hour overnight charge, for example, will provide approximately 84-168km of range.
Wallbox: For drivers that need faster and more convenient home charging, installing a wallbox is recommended. An 11kW 3 phase wallbox means the charger can essentially deliver more power into the car battery at a faster rate, typically 50-60km worth of power per hour. That means a full charge in around 8 hours, giving drivers up to 400kms-plus of range depending on driving style, traffic, environmental conditions etc. There is also a 7kW 3 phase wallbox which enables between 30-45km of range per hour. That means empty-to-full charging in around half a day, or overnight.
Either way, it’s worth noting that Volvo Cars recommends drivers don’t let their battery run below 20 per cent. Lithium-ion batteries tend to last longer when they are not repeatedly charged to full and then run to empty.
Charging types: Away
 
Public charging infrastructure tends to be either AC wallbox-type chargers, useful for a top-up if shopping or parking for an hour or two, or to fully recharge during overnight stays at hotels, resorts etc. Some come with charging cables, but many do not. So Volvo recommends buying a separate heavy duty ‘type 2’ cable and keeping it in the boot for use at public charging stations.
DC fast or superfast chargers range in power from 25kW to 350kW, though many currently in operation are 50kW. A 150kW charger typically delivers around 100km of range in 10 minutes, a 50kW charger will deliver 100km in half an hour.
Volvo Car Australia covers electric vehicle charging choices and cabling <a href="https://www.volvocars.com/au/v/cars/recharge/charging-your-volvo">here.</a>

Home and away: How, where and when to charge your C40 Recharge

There is no long-term future for internal combustion cars, Volvo Car Australia’s managing director declared, announcing the new 2026 target.

Volvo Car Australia has unveiled an ambitious plan to sell only fully electric cars in Australia by 2026 - four years earlier than its parent company's 2030 global target.
&quot;Globally, Volvo is firmly committed to becoming an electric-only carmaker by 2030, but in Australia we will make the transition happen by 2026,&quot; Stephen Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car Australia, said.
&quot;The earlier deadline will allow us to meet the expectations of our Australian customers and be a part of the solution when it comes to fighting climate change. Sustainability is now as important as safety to us, with climate action having the highest priority.
&quot;Volvo Cars has one of the most ambitious climate plans in the car industry which involves consistently reducing the life cycle carbon footprint per car through concrete action.
&quot;Australian consumers are early adopters of new technologies, and they are embracing fully electric cars in increasing numbers as part of a practical response to combatting climate change.
&quot;There is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine. So, instead of investing in a shrinking business, we choose to invest in the future, which is fully electric.&quot;

Mr Connor said by 2025 nearly 80 per cent of Volvo's Australian sales will be fully electric models.
&quot;The decision to sell only electric cars from 2026 makes perfect sense, and we believe it will give us a strategic advantage in the Australian market. The final piece of the jigsaw will be converting the last 20 per cent of our customers to a fully electric future from 2026.
&quot;I am very confident we can achieve this, and even go beyond to achieve our aspiration of selling 20,000 fully electric cars every year in Australia.&quot;
Behyad Jafari, the chief executive of the Electric Vehicle Council described Volvo Car Australia’s announcement as “truly remarkable”.
“It shows they appreciate the momentum for EVs building in the Australian market and they see the opportunities in meeting the demand,” he said.
“Most Australians now want an electric car – the problem is a lack of supply and a lack of choice. Having Volvo plug part of this gap will make a significant difference.”
Volvo is currently the fastest growing brand in the Australian luxury SUV segment, clocking up record sales for the past four years. It recently launched the C40 Recharge Pure Electric, the first dedicated electric only vehicle model for the Australian market.
The C40 Recharge Pure Electric is available with a single electric motor and front-wheel drive, while the variant with dual electric motors comes with all-wheel drive. It is also the first Volvo to be completely leather-free.

Volvo Car Australia to go all electric by 2026

New Volvo EX90 to be a ‘battery on wheels’ to power homes and recharge at off-peak times.

The new Volvo EX90, to be unveiled on November 9, will be the first Volvo car to include bi-directional charging - an efficient feature that lets it power your home, recharge at low-demand times, and charge electric items while on the go.
While society is increasing its electrification, the increase in demand for electricity from electric cars can lead to a significant strain on the grid - Volvo Cars wants to alleviate this. Electric cars can be a “virtual powerplant” with bi-directional charging, Olivier Loedel, Head of Electrification Ecosystem, said, and function as a large battery on wheels.
“With the Volvo EX90 you can power your life,” says Head of Electrification Ecosystem Olivier Loedel.
“You could use its battery in many ways, from topping up your electric bike when you’re out and about, to hooking up an outdoor cooking appliance for your weekend camping trip. It could even power your house during the expensive peak hours of the day.”
Initially becoming available in selected markets, bi-directional charging has the potential to help you make your energy utilisation cheaper, more efficient and sustainable. Paired with smart-charging technology coming to the Volvo Cars smartphone app, the Volvo EX90 will allow you to charge your car when demand from the grid and prices are low – usually meaning there are more renewable sources in the energy mix – and save that stored energy to be used later.

Along with being able to charge appliances and other devices, your car will ultimately be able to lend a helping hand and give some of its charge to other compatible Volvos. On the flip side, if you’re about to run out of juice, don’t worry. You can accept the same help from other Volvo cars as well.
Depending on rules specific to each energy market, bi-directional charging could also allow customers to support the grid in different ways.
“We believe in a future where our customers can support the grid using this technology, enabling a more efficient and sustainable use of electricity in everyday life,” Loedel said.
The small print
Future technology and features are described, and capabilities may vary. Features may not be available in all markets and will not be standard in all markets or for all models.
The bi-directional charging offer will initially be launched in selected markets. We are currently investigating which use cases we will be able to offer in different markets.
We will equip the Volvo EX90 with the necessary hardware to support the grid, and we are currently assessing in which markets it would be possible to offer this to our customers.

Bi-directional charging in new Volvo EX90 to power homes, maximise energy use 

Electric vehicles make up less than 3 per cent of cars in Australia, but that is growing - fast. 

There is a “clear market trend” towards zero emission technology in cars, the head of the peak body for Australia’s automotive industry says.
While the market share of electric vehicles is currently less than three per cent, that’s growing fast, according to Tony Weber, the chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, said.
“During September 2022, 7,247 battery electric vehicles were sold, more than hybrid and plug-in-hybrid combined (5,141). Year to date, 21,771 battery electric vehicles have been sold,” Mr Weber said. “There is a clear market trend towards zero emission technology.”
Mr Weber’s comments reinforce Volvo Car Australia’s trajectory towards a fully electric car company.
“Globally, we’re going fully electric by 2030, and aiming to be carbon neutral by 2040,” Stephen Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car Australia, said. “Being authentic as an automotive brand means taking actions that mirror words, and Volvo are a prime example of that. There’s a reason we’re the fastest growing luxury auto brand in Australia – people are at the core of the way we design, build and market our cars.”
And that’s not the end of it, because Ghent is busily expanding its capacity for producing fully electric cars. Within a year from now, the plant should be able to build 135,000 pure electric Volvo cars per year, representing more than half of the plant's existing production capacity.
&quot;The C40 Recharge represents our future,&quot; said Javier Varela, our head of Engineering and Operations. &quot;Our manufacturing operations and a close collaboration with our suppliers are key in achieving our future ambitions, in terms of electrification and climate neutrality. Our Ghent plant is ready for an all-electric future and will be an important part of our global industrial network for the years to come.&quot;

The FCAI releasing these electric vehicle figures comes after the Federal Government shared and Electric Vehicle Discussion Paper.
“Any future policy and regulation needs to be developed within the context of vehicle price, model availability, and battery supply, and supported through the roll out of charging infrastructure and consumer incentives,” Mr Weber said.
The FCAI warned while new car supplies to the Australian market are improving, logistical and supply chain issues remain as the global automotive market recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘Clear market trend’ towards electric cars in Australia: FCAI 

The highly anticipated C40 Recharge, Volvo Cars’ first electric-only model, has landed in shopping centres and dealers for Australians to touch and experience. 

Hundreds of thousands of Australians have seen and experienced the first models of Volvo’s new C40 Recharge through a series of immersive shopping centre activations - with the car now available to test drive in some retailers.
The first pure electric vehicle model created by Volvo, the C40 Recharge has up to 500km of range*, 300kw of power, can accelerate from 0 to 100 in 4.7s, and can “fast charge” from 10 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes**.
With zero tailpipe emissions, it is a vehicle that doesn’t force drivers to choose between power and responsible driving. It has a contemporary design and luxurious interior, with features like Google built-in***, an air purifier system, a 360-degree camera, Harman Kardon Premium Sound, and it works seamlessly with the Volvo Cars app.
The car charged into the Australian market with a 60-second ad on Sunday October 9 airing on major television networks. Over the past few weeks, several models of the Volvo C40 Recharge have been touring shopping centres along the east coast.

The campaign spent time at Indooroopilly in Brisbane, Castle Towers in Sydney and Chadstone in Melbourne, being seen up close by tens of thousands of people. The value of an in-person inspection is that shoppers can touch the luxury interiors and sit in the driver’s seat. Those who enquired could become some of the first to book an appointment and take the C40 Recharge for a test drive in early November.
We're teaming up with Northvolt, a leading battery firm from Sweden, to develop and produce high-quality sustainable batteries for the next generation of pure electric Volvo and Polestar cars. An all-Swedish battery powerhouse, if you will, with collaboration that contains several elements.
For example, as part of the plans we'll establish a 50/50 joint venture company, which will include an R&amp;D centre in Sweden that is scheduled to kick off operations next year. Here, we intend to develop state-of-the-art battery cells and related technologies, to make sure that the battery technology is tailor-made and can be seamlessly integrated into those shiny new Volvos and Polestars.

The Volvo C40 Recharge is available for online order enquiry now, with orders finalised with retailers per their terms and conditions.
*Figures according to ADR 81/02 are derived from laboratory testing. Factors including but not limited to driving style, road and traffic conditions, environmental influences, vehicle condition and accessories fitted, means in the real world the range you experience can differ from that advertised. Advertised figures are meant for comparison purposes.
**When charged using fast charging DC up to 150 kW under optimal charging conditions. Charging times are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition. Fast charging cable not provided with the car. Charging times with standard charging can vary significantly.
*** Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.

New Volvo C40 Recharge lands in shopping centres - and for test drive

The Volvo EX90 will be a new fully electric, seven-seater SUV with LiDAR and driver-sensor tech.

Volvo Cars has unveiled the name of its new, next-generation electric vehicle - the Volvo EX90 - as well as a LiDAR and driver-sensor technology that could help reduce accidents by up to 20 per cent*.
In a keynote speech on 21 September, Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan presented his vision for the future of safety and the company. Volvo Cars shared that its next flagship SUV - the Volvo EX90, which Rowan said would include safety technology “beyond any Volvo car before”.
“For us, safety is not a marketing exercise or another regulation for us to clear. Safety is at the very core of our purpose,” he said.
“With state of the art sensors and software, our next car will be able to see the world in point cloud, as you can see around me. These sensors are powered by Volvo Cars’ unique combination of advanced core computing and software to enable improvement in safety in the digital age - like the three-point seatbelt did in the late 1950s.”
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdQTfmdJgu8">Watch the video here</a>

Driver understanding 
A real-time interior sensing system is designed to help the car take action to avoid accidents. Two cameras will pick up early signals the driver is not at their best using eye-gaze patterns.
&quot;Our research shows that by simply observing where the driver is looking and how often and for how long their eyes are closed, we can tell a lot about the state of the driver,&quot; Emma Tivesten, Senior Technical Expert at Volvo Cars Safety Centre, said.
&quot;By basing its calculations on our research findings, the sensing system allows our cars to identify whether the driver's ability is impaired, perhaps due to drowsiness, distraction or other causes for inattention and to offer extra assistance in a way that best suits the situation.&quot;
Looking at the road too little could mean distraction. Too much could mean cognitive distraction. The car is designed to be able to send a warning signal that grows in volume, or can even safely stop by the side of the road and turn its hazard lights on.

Invisible shield 
Volvo Cars is aiming for an ambitious goal: zero deaths or serious injuries in Volvo cars. As well as internal sensors, the EX90 will have an array of external eight cameras, five radars, 16 ultrasonic sensors and a cutting edge LiDAR sensor that, along with a core computing platform and software, create a 360-degree real-time view of the world around the car. 
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and the new array, embedded in the roofline of the EX90, could help reduce accidents by up to 20 per cent*.
LiDAR can detect pedestrians up to 250-metres away, and something as small and dark as a tire on a black road 120-metres ahead.
&quot;We believe the EX90 to be the safest Volvo car to ever hit the road,&quot; said Joachim de Verdier, head of Safe Vehicle Automation at Volvo Cars.
“When all our safety systems, sensors, software and computing power come together, they create a preventative shield of safety around you – and you won't even know it's there until you need it.&quot;
<a href="https://www.volvocars.com/au/safety-in-mind/innovations/">Learn more here.</a>
*Scenario frequencies based on Volvo Cars Traffic Accident Database.
Please note: Future technology described above is not yet available and may be subject to change. Vehicle specifications are subject to change. Features shown and described above may not be standard or available for all equipment levels and powertrain options and may vary from market to market. Please drive responsibly, driver and vehicle support functions are not a substitute for the driver’s attention and judgement.

Volvo Cars unveils flagship, fully electric SUV, LiDAR, safety tech

The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country is packed with features, finishes and details that make it a perfect family wagon.

Volvo Car Australia has unveiled the details and <a href="https://www.volvocars.com/au/cars/v60-cross-country/">refreshed online experience for the 2023 V60 Cross Country,</a> boasting advanced tech, air purifier, Google built-in* and extra stability with large wheels.
The wagon, which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, produces 183kW of power and 350Nm with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. 
A 48-volt mild hybrid system reduces the load on the engine and saves fuel. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, has a fuel consumption of 7.4l per 100km**, has 519l of cargo capacity and a 1.8-tonne maximum towing capacity. 
Standard features in the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country include 19-inch alloy wheels, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google integration*, Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, heated front and rear seats, head-up display, six airbags, adaptive cruise control, 10-speaker sound system, four-zone climate control, a power tailgate and rain-sensing wipers. The list goes on.
Google built-in*, with Google Maps, seamlessly integrates real-time traffic information and automatic rerouting. Google Assistant means drivers can talk to their V60 Cross Country for hands-free help.
A dedicated Volvo Cars app means drivers can remotely lock, unlock, and pre-heat or cool the cabin.
The 2023 model has refreshed exterior design details, optimised loading with a new roof box, and extra stability and grip with large wheels. An optional panoramic roof lets light flood in, creating a natural, spacious feel for everyone in the cabin.
*Subject to network availability. Google is a trademark of Google LLC. The V60 Cross Country is supplied with 4 years of Google Automotive Services. After this period, new terms and costs may apply. Fair Use Policy for data applies.
**Figures according to ADR 81/02 are derived from laboratory testing, which is not carried out on every individual vehicle sold by Volvo. Factors including but not limited to driving style, road and traffic conditions, environmental influences, vehicle condition and accessories fitted, means in the real world the range you experience can differ from that advertised. Advertised figures are meant for comparison purposes.

The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country is packed with features, finishes and details that make it a perfect family wagon. 

Why the refreshed MY23 V60 Cross Country is ready for anything

A platform that gives people shared access to Volvo cars in cities in Sweden will be rolled out internationally after a successful trial.

Volvo Cars is rebranding and expanding its mobility business, re-naming the company formerly known as M to Volvo On Demand and announcing plans to launch globally.
Currently operating in Sweden, M is a platform that gives people shared access to Volvo cars. External analysis has shown one car from Volvo Car Mobility can replace the need for up to nine privately owned cars in Swedish cities, corresponding to an annual reduction in over 16,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. It frees up space in cities, saves people money, and helps maintain a more sustainable lifestyle.
Volvo On Demand is part of a long-term strategic investment to increase the significance of shared mobility in Volvo Cars, which helps deliver the company’s aim to become a circular business by 2040. It has 250,000 registered users and close to a million completed journeys in Sweden, and there are plans to grow it globally.
“At Volvo Cars, we want to provide complete freedom to move in a personal, sustainable, and safe way,” Magnus Fredin, Senior Vice President Global Online Business at Volvo Cars, said.
“Volvo Car Mobility’s future-forward strategy is helping us to deliver on that promise. Volvo On Demand will make new inroads into the evolution of flexible car access. We’re thrilled to be on this journey together. Volvo On Demand is able to reach target groups that don’t necessarily want to own a car but need occasional access to one.”
Erik Jivmark, CEO of Volvo Car Mobility - the subsidiary that developed and operates the business, said: “We look forward to accelerating growth based on our mobility platform and becoming a part of Volvo Cars’ core offer. We expect new product offers and an international expansion to vastly expand the customer base and put us on an entirely new growth trajectory.”
Volvo On Demand will continue to be powered by Volvo Cars' proprietary AI-driven mobility platform.

Volvo On Demand rebrands, global plans to reshape city car ownership

Volvo Car India launched the XC40 Recharge in a digital world, known as the metaverse - or ‘the Volvoverse’. 

Volvo Cars has made history in India, becoming the first luxury auto brand to reveal a car in the metaverse, known locally as the ‘Volvoverse’.
Working with the region’s media agency, Mindshare India, Volvo Cars created a virtual world launch of the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.
The foray into the metaverse was done to reduce the carbon footprint of a launch event. Every attendee at a physical event generates 170 kilograms of C02. With dozens or hundreds of attendees, a physical event can quickly generate many tonnes of carbon.
Mindshare India worked with other agencies under the umbrella of its parent company, WPP India, to create the metaverse experience, launched by Volvo Car India’s Managing Director, Jyoti Malhotra.
“Volvo has always been on the forefront of innovation and technology and we as a company are also globally known for our commitment to sustainability,” Malhotra said.
“The launch of the XC40 Recharge on the metaverse platform is a pioneering moment leveraging digital technology in the marketing sphere. The metaverse launch also contributes to our sustainability mission as it leaves a negligible carbon footprint as compared to conventional launches.”
Volvo Cars aims to be a fully-electric car company by 2030, globally, and be carbon neutral by 2040.
The concept behind the launch of the XC40 Recharge in the Volvoverse was to unveil the electric vehicle (EV) “in a sustainable ecosystem following the vision of Volvo”, Mindshare South Asia CEO Amin Lakhani said.
“The Metaverse is evolving the Internet by bringing people closer... We are excited to do the first-ever EV launch in the Metaverse with a campaign that appeals to our audience in an exciting new environment which is the first of its kind.” 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBAGP4SYbu4">Watch the video here</a>

Volvo Car India launched the XC40 Recharge in a digital world, known as the metaverse - or ‘the Volvoverse’.

The Volvoverse: Volvo Cars launches first car in the metaverse

Australian customers now have a choice between single-motor and dual-motor versions of the popular XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.

Volvo Car Australia is responding to the surging demand for its electric cars in Australia by launching a new, single-motor variant of its popular XC40 Recharge Pure Electric compact luxury SUV.
The new version of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric comes with a single electric motor on the front axle, and represents a balanced take on power, performance and efficiency.
The electric motor delivers a smooth, linear power output across the speed range, making it supremely smooth and refined to drive just like its twin-motor sibling.
MY23 XC40 Recharge Pure Electric vehicles will feature a new front bumper, frameless grille plate, new headlamp surrounding finishes, and new rear bumper inserts.
The twin-motor XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will also gain class-leading Pixel headlight technology, as well as sustainable upholstery and a new wheel design.

MY23 XC40 Recharge Pure Electric vehicles will feature a new front bumper, frameless grille plate, new headlamp surrounding finishes, and new rear bumper inserts.
The twin-motor XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will also gain class-leading Pixel headlight technology, as well as sustainable upholstery and a new wheel design.
The introduction of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric single motor comes amid strong ongoing demand for the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric that was launched in August.
&quot;Demand for XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is unprecedented as Australians embrace electric cars in increasing numbers. Our forward order book has never been stronger,&quot; said Volvo Car Australia’s managing director, Stephen Connor.
&quot;The introduction of the single-motor variant in 2022 will enable us to respond to this extraordinary demand with even a more affordable Pure Electric option.
&quot;Via this introduction we have delivered a fantastic offering without compromising on our core values and safety.&quot;

The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is Volvo's first all-electric vehicle and reinforces the Swedish company's commitment to electrifying its entire car range by 2025 with full electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid variants on its journey to being an all-electric company by 2030.
Key features for the single motor variant Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
<ul>
<li>Single Electric Motor (front axle)</li>
<li>Maximum power: 170kW</li>
<li>Maximum torque: 330Nm</li>
<li>Speed limit 180Km/h (limited)</li>
<li>69kWh Standard Range battery with expected WLTP range of about 380km</li>
<li>19-inch 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond-cut Alloy wheels</li>
<li>'Thor's Hammer' LED headlights</li>
<li>Park Assist Camera</li>
<li>Panoramic Sunroof</li>
<li>Heated Front &amp; Rear Seats and heated steering wheel</li>
<li>Keyless Entry</li>
<li>Digital Services including Google Services</li>
<li>Next Generation Infotainment System including 4-year data subscription</li>
<li>Wireless Inductive Smartphone Charging</li>
<li>Solid and Metallic exclusive exterior colours</li>
<li>Five-year unlimited kilometre warranty</li>
<li>Three-year 100,000-kilometre service wear and tear plan, which includes wiper blades, brake pads and brake discs</li>
</ul>

XC40 Recharge Pure Electric single-motor to meet surging demand

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