Its name is the C40 recharge. This is the coupe version of the XC40 Recharge, which is a pure SUV. This model is still a bit 4X4, but it is more elegant. The other difference is the front panel which inaugurates the brand’s new design. And the headlights incorporate advanced technology. These are LED spotlights with pixel technology that automatically adapt to the lighting conditions. They turn on and off independently. Note also that the C40 Recharge contains vegan leather and that this model is exclusively sold online. Apart from that, we find the same characteristics under the hood. This electric coupe develops 408 hp with its two engines. It’s a lot more than enough, but the pleasure is real when you accelerate fully at the start. The one pedal function also makes driving more fun. It is no longer necessary to touch the brake, since it suffices to release the accelerator to engage a powerful engine brake. It’s a blow to take. And then last little detail. It is no longer necessary to press a start button to start. Just pull the gear lever on Drive.
One more word on Volvo, which is resolutely committed to electric vehicles
The C40 is Volvo’s first model to be offered only in a zero-emission version. There will be no plug-in hybrid version, as is the case on the CX40 for example. The manufacturer from Sweden, which belongs to the Chinese group Geely, has also planned to eliminate the thermal engine in 2030. It should be remembered that Volvo is one of the signatories of a declaration at the COP26 in Glasgow which called for the end of the heat engine in the world by 2040 at the latest. By 2025, 50% of the cars sold by the brand will be exclusively electric.
Citroën goes to war against bad users of plug-in hybrids
On paper, this type of vehicle is virtuous. However, not all customers play the game, and relatively few plug in their vehicles on a regular basis. This leads to the almost exclusive use of the heat engine, leading to overconsumption. Suddenly, the chevron brand has set up an alert system on the C5 Aircross PHEV. From the on-board computer, it analyzes the journeys made, the state of charge of the battery and the number of charges. If the system detects that the user has not plugged in his vehicle for five consecutive days despite having completed ten trips, a reminder message is displayed on the touchscreen every day. And if the vehicle is not plugged in for 30 days, the notification is displayed twice a day. Citroën also offers a service for fleet managers. This time, it relies on an on-board box. The goal is the same: to encourage recharging more often to consume less fuel and pollute less.
And then something new in the used car
The Heycar used car sales site is coming to France. Born in 2017 in Germany under the leadership of the Volkswagen group, it also benefits from the support of Mercedes and Renault. Together, the three manufacturers intend to compete with the big European players who have invested in the web. Car brands want to regain control of the used vehicle, particularly in vogue, because of the shortage of chips that is impacting the new market. The heycar platform should offer 100,000 ads in 2022. There are already 30,000 online at
start-up. The vehicles are all less than 8 years old, have less than 150,000 km on the odometer and come with a dealer warranty.