With a shift to all-electric powertrains, Volvo understands that car designs could fundamentally change, and that’s something they’ve explored with the Volvo Concept Recharge—an inspiration for the next-generation Volvo cars.
True to the heritage of Scandinavian design, the Concept Recharge is minimalist in its design. However, with a mantra of “less is better,” there’s more than meets the eye. For example, by removing the complexity of the internal combustion engine, the designers have been able to evolve the car’s proportions to increase interior space while also improving aerodynamic efficiency.
Currently, Volvo’s electric cars shares a floor with combustion engine-powered cars, which requires a balance in proportions and space to be able to accommodate both a battery pack and an internal combustion engine.
The next generation of Volvo’s fully electric cars—the first of which is the company’s first SUV on a completely new electric-only technology base—will feature flat floors, as previewed in the Concept Recharge.
By removing the engine and replacing it with a full battery pack under the flat floor, the designers have extended the wheelbase and the wheel size of the car. The result is shorter overhangs, as well as a lot more interior space, including a large storage area between the front seats.
In the Concept Recharge these advancements have led designers to reposition the seats, optimize the roof profile and lower the hood of the car while retaining the high eye point beloved by drivers of cars of its XC series. This approach creates efficiency gains in aerodynamics compared with a typical SUV, which improves range.
This concept car also introduces a new Volvo design language.
The traditional grille has been replaced with a shield-like structure, supported by a new interpretation of Volvo Cars’ Thor’s Hammer headlight design. These include the latest HD technology-enabled pure graphic which open at night to reveal the main lamp units.
Signature vertical rear lamps connect to the brand’s strong design heritage, but are reimagined with a set of wings that extend at higher cruising speeds to further improve overall aerodynamics.
The Volvo design language also takes a new form inside the Concept Recharge. The flat floor provides more space and a better seating position for all those inside the car.
A large, 15-inch standing touchscreen is the center of a new and improved user experience for the company’s next-generation connected infotainment system. Designed to be logical and intuitive to use, technology helps provide a serene and calm experience.
The latest infotainment technology goes hand in hand with those other hallmarks of Scandinavian design: clean lines and extensive use of sustainable and natural materials inside the cabin.
Finally, the Concept Recharge also reflects Volvo Cars’ safety ambitions in coming years. A LiDAR sensor, built by technology company Luminar and a critical part of Volvo Cars’ plan for forthcoming safe autonomous drive technology, is placed in an optimal position on the roof to collect data on the environment around the car.
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