Volvo has launched its first ever fully electric car - the XC40 Recharge.
The car is based on the XC40 small SUV, and offers an impressive range of 248 miles (400km) on a single charge.
Hakan Samuelsson, chief executive of Volvo, said: “We have said this several times before: for Volvo Cars, the future is electric.
“Today we take a major new step in that direction with the launch of our fully electric XC40 and the Recharge car line.”
The car’s battery sits in the floor of the car, and charges to 80% of its capacity in just 40 minutes thanks to a fast-charger system.
The move to electric means the car no longer needs a tailpipe or a large grille for cooling purposes, while the removal of an internal combustion engine has created extra room for storage under the front bonnet.
The car also incorporates a new infotainment system powered by Android, including built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store.
Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo said: “We are finally giving you the same experience in your car that you’re used to on your phone, but adapted for safe interaction while driving.
“And by introducing over-the-air updates for everything from maintenance to completely new features, the car can stay as fresh as your other digital products, always with the latest and greatest features.”
Customers will be able to choose from eight exterior colours, including a brand new Sage Green metallic option, and can also choose between two new 19-inch and 20-inch wheel options.
While the pricing for the XC40 Recharge remains unclear, Volvo has revealed that it will now launch a fully electric car every year, and seeks to make all-electric cars 50% of global sales by 2025.
