Volvo XC40 EV 2020: Electric SUV will take you to “frunky” town

Volvo is busing selling the practical perks of the its new XC40 EV ahead of the car’s offical unveiling on October 16, promising the lack of a conventional engine will add 30 litres of “frunk” (front boot) space.

The Swedish brand has been drip-feeding information about its newest SUV ahead of its official reveal, and we know now to expect a tweaked design, more storage space and more colour choices.

Chief among the changes, of course, is the removal of the combustion engine, replaced by an electric motor that then converts the under bonnet space into a second boot.

The XC40 EV is built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, with a battery pack housed in the floor of the vehicle, with the brand promising green-focused shoppers won’t sacrifice interior space.

It also allows for a new and covered grille (thanks to lower air-flow requirements) that Volvo says gives the electric XC40 a “distinct visual identity”.

“It’s bold, instantly recognisable design is now even sleeker and more modern in the all-electric version. Without the need for a grille we have created an even cleaner and more modern face, while the lack of tailpipes does the same at the rear,” says Volvo’s head of design, Robin Page.

“This is the approach we will explore more and more as we continue down the road of electrification.”

There’s a new colour – Sage Green – as well as new 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel designs, along with a new multimedia interface that includes EV-specific information on battery status and charging stations.

While pricing and specification details are yet to be confirmed, the XC40 EV is already a lock for Australia, with local executives confiming a late-2020 launch for Volvo’s first true electric vehicle.

“It’s due to launch next year, we’re still working on exact timing for Australia. Hopefully it will be here in 2020,” says Volvo Australia MD, Nick Connor.