Those of us within the automotive industry noted the “misgivings” many pundits expressed when Volvo announced its commitment to electrifying its entire lineup of vehicles. “Misgivings” is in quotation marks because they were more like “scoffs”, but we don’t want to appear to have been overly sensitive at the time nor to be gloating now. Suffice it to say, Volvo was bold in stating its objectives.
To be more specific, Volvo has said that by 2025 — only 30 months away — a full 50% of its sales volume will be all-electric vehicles. We’re tempted to use the word “shocking”, but that would detract from the significance. Going even further, just over a year ago Volvo raised the bar and said it intended to be a fully electric car company by the year 2030. By 2040, Volvo intends to be a carbon neutral company.
The Clear View from the Rear Window
Looking backwards, perhaps those declarations by Volvo’s leadership don’t seem so bold. After all, just about every auto manufacturer has now revealed plans to market all-electric vehicles and many of them already have. Additionally, gas prices have surpassed $7 per gallon in some parts of the country, which have fueled (pun intended) a surge in demand for electric vehicles, or “EV’s”. Furthermore, regardless of where you stand on the issue of climate change, you can’t refute the topic’s increasing traction in news headlines, further inspiring many to explore electric vehicles, especially in forward-thinking Northern California.
[Fun facts: California has more electric vehicles than any other state in the nation, accounting for an estimated 42% of the country’s total; that’s incredible. That means that each of the remaining 49 states are averaging around 1% of the total. And where do you suppose you’ll find the highest concentration of electric vehicles? Right here in the San Francisco Bay Area].
But the point we are trying to make is that a lot has changed since Volvo first stepped forward with its strong convictions about the future of electric vehicles and there may now be a tendency to consider those objectives less consequential. However, Volvo didn’t just say it was going to move in that direction, it took action.
Which brings us to the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge.
The 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge
While the 2020 Volvo XC40 Recharge was the first all-electric Volvo introduced to America, the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge is the newest addition to the Volvo all-electric line up and is causing quite a buzz. What’s notable about the C40 Recharge is that it the first in Volvo’s history to be designed as pure electric only, i.e. no gas or hybrid options are available. (Worth noting, all of Volvo’s models have included an electric engine since 2019, making the entire line-up either hybrid or pure electric).
[And, as long as we’re speaking parenthetically, here’s another California tidbit: Despite what you may think, California is NOT the state with the most vegans, nor is it the state with the highest number of vegans per capita. Those distinctions fall to Oregon and Nevada, respectively. However, California is in the #2 position for both metrics. So why did we take a detour to discuss vegans? Because the Volvo C40 Recharge is the first Volvo to be all-electric and feature a leather-free interior, which will definitely appeal to vegans. Trivia buffs delight!].
A Crossover SUV
Volvo feels the C40 Recharge will speak to many drivers in the San Francisco Bay Area who want the versatility and benefits of an SUV, but also appreciate a sleek design and sportier profile. Also popular with Bay Area drivers are the host of high-tech amenities offered by the Volvo C40 Recharge, including Android Operating System with Google imbedded and a list of advanced Safety and Driver-Assistance features.
As for your driving experience, the C40 Recharge’s two electric motors deliver a whopping 402 HP combined with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), another “must have” for many Northern Californians. Add panoramic sunroof, a dazzling Harmon/Kardon sound system, and 360-degree exterior camera and it’s as if Volvo made the C40 Recharge with the Bay Area car enthusiast in mind.
Free Charging for Up to 3 Years
As if all the above wasn’t enough, Volvo further lures potential converts to all-electric vehicles with a generous allowance of 250kWh of complimentary charging on Electrify America’s network. While 250 kWh won’t last a full 3 years for many drivers, those who don’t accumulate many miles will appreciate that Volvo allows up to 3 years to expend that allowance. Once those 250kWh are gone, C40 Recharge owners will be eligible for Electrify America’s Pass+, with membership fees covered by Volvo for one year; membership enables drivers to charge at discounted rates. In a very significant way, Volvo is essentially partnering with you to bring about an all-electric future.
Beyond the Electrify America network, which has 635 public fast-charging stations and new stations coming, Volvo has its existing affiliation with ChargePoint, ensuring easy access to thousands of public charging stations across the United States.
Buying or Leasing a Volvo C40 Recharge
It was anticipated that there would be exceptionally high demand for the Volvo C40 when it arrived, particularly in California. What wasn’t anticipated is the degree to which the world would be faced with an ongoing supply chain issue. Those two factors have combined to make the C40 Recharge a vehicle that has to be reserved. Fortunately, Volvo Cars Dublin, as the Bay Area’s newest Volvo dealership, is expecting a solid allocation of all Volvo models, including the C40 Recharge. We encourage you to contact us at Volvo Cars Dublin and allow us to explain the entire ordering process and share our best estimate of when you could expect to take delivery of your new Volvo C40.
Volvo Cars Dublin / San Francisco Bay Area
Volvo Cars Dublin is located in Dublin, CA, conveniently near the I-680 and I-580 junction. As an Authorized Volvo Dealership, Volvo Cars Dublin serves the East Bay’s Tri-Valley communities and beyond, attracting Volvo enthusiasts from throughout Northern California. Volvo shoppers will find an impressive selection of New Volvos, Certified Pre-Owned Volvos, Used Volvos, and a range of other quality used cars for sale or lease. Volvo Cars Dublin also accepts all Volvo lease returns and will purchase your current vehicle, whether it is a Volvo or not, and regardless of whether you purchase a replacement vehicle from the dealership.
Additionally, current Volvo owners will appreciate Volvo Cars Dublin’s Authorized Volvo Service Center, where customers enjoy seasonal service specials and can have warranty and recall work performed, along with regularly scheduled and recommended Volvo maintenance.
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