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The Mini Recharged project combines the iconic original Mini with modern EV powertrains.
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The new Volvo Concept Recharge previews the firm’s pure electric future… and hints at how its upcoming SUVs, crossovers and estates will look
Volvo has given us our first look at its planned future generation of all-electric cars with the Concept Recharge preview.
Described as a “manifesto” for Volvo’s pure EV future, the Concept Recharge “represents a new paradigm in car design” and shows how the flexibility of electric car architectures will bring a fresh and flexible approach to new models.
Unlike today’s Volvo EVs, which share a floor with petrol and diesel-engine models, the future generation of electric cars will never have to pack in a combustion engine.
This means a flat floor inside, plus an extended wheelbase and super-short overhangs that creates significantly more interior space.
Even the wheels can be significantly larger than today’s cars.
Volvo’s been able to reposition the seats, lower the bonnet, make the car more aerodynamically efficient to boost range – yet still keep the high-set driving position that XC40 and XC60 SUV buyers like.
The Volvo Concept Recharge also introduces a new Scandinavian-themed design language based around ‘less but better’. Everything that isn’t needed has been removed; what’s left has been treated to a precise, flush execution.
Volvo’s traditional grille has become a shield-like structure, its more recent Thor’s Hammer headlights have been redesigned and the signature vertical rear lights, first seen on retro estate cars back in the 1990s, have been reimagined in wing-like structures that extend out at speed to improve aerodynamics.
Inside, there’s a 15-inch freestanding touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, which Volvo promises is logical and intuitive to use.
It’s based around the latest Google Android system and is fully connected to the cloud.
As with the outside, the lines are clean and simple, serene and calm, and there’s plentiful use of natural, sustainable materials.
“Inside the Concept Recharge, we create a truly Scandinavian living room feeling,” said Volvo design chief Robin Page.
“The interior integrates our latest user experience technology with beautiful, sustainable and natural materials. Each part of the interior is like a piece of art and could stand alone as individual furniture in a room.
“We use the latest technologies but not for their own sake. We always focus on the benefits that technologies can bring.
“With the Concept Recharge, we continue the rich roots of Volvo’s design DNA in a modern and fresh way as we move into our all-electric future,” he added.
“It represents everything we believe customers expect from a pure electric Volvo and we’re excited to take this philosophy into our next generation of cars.”
