【Dear Utol: Week 1 Highlights Episode 7】

Volvo's first EV without a gas-powered counterpart has some slick features that have Dear Utol: Week 1 Highlights Episode 7nothing to do with touchscreens, software updates, or battery range.

The C40 Recharge was announced earlier this year and will arrive in the U.S. at the start of 2022. It's expected to start around $55,000 before federal tax credits. I took a look at a Fjord Blue model at Volvo's tech offices in the Bay Area last week.

Sure the C40 Recharge has built-in Google integration with navigation, audio, and entertainment running on Android software, an accompanying app to monitor charging, and over-the-air software updates. But it's the simple details like the front trunk (or "frunk") and console layout that pique my interest.

---

You May Also Like

---

---

Subtle compartments, fixtures, and design choices are scattered throughout Volvo's first dedicated electric SUV.

Frunk

Like most EVs, the front space under the hood is now an available storage unit. Thanks to the lack of internal combustion engine, the battery laying flat along the car floor, and the dual electric motors along both axles, there's extra space up front. The Recharge has 21 liters of volume to hold purses, small bags, or, even more conveniently, charging cords.

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

Receptacles galore, including a trashcan

The front console between the driver and passenger seats in the C40 Recharge is where Volvo's Scandinavian roots really show. Beyond the usual cupholders, cellphone stand, and cavernous armrest compartment, there's a small flap behind the gear shifter. It opens to a small trashcan for gum wrappers, receipts, and other miscellanea that finds its way into the EV. Instead of collecting in random crevices, your trash stays organized and is easier to clear out later.

There's even something for the back row. Built into the side of the seats are small open compartments to snug in water bottles, electronics, or — since we're talking about analog features — even a real book.

So many compartments. Credit: sasha lekach / mashable

Trunk

The backside of a car is usually overlooked because, well, it's just big open space to put stuff. The C40 Recharge trunk isn't that exhilarating or anything, although it does have a "secret" compartment below the trunk floor for added storage that's more secure. But a unique feature in the back space is system of hooks to hold your grocery (or other) shopping bags in place. It's the little things.

Moonroof

A huge pane of glass really opens up the compact SUV. While the panoramic window doesn't do anything functionally (it's sealed shut), it makes the experience of sitting in the car that much better. Even with the glass in the ceiling weather-tight, the car somehow feels more open, and makes a late-night recharging session sound more palatable while gazing into the sky above.

SEE ALSO: Volvo concept car previews its all-electric future

Reservations for the C40 Recharge are open online with a $500 deposit even though the car hasn't started production. The official range hasn't been released yet, but Volvo's similarly sized XC40 Recharge hits over 200 miles on a single charge — if you care about those things. Clearly I'm all about cupholders and storage space.

Topics Electric Vehicles

• Entertainment
• Deals
• Tech
• Life
• Shopping
• Games
• Science
• Digital Culture

• Productivity Boost: Enable 'Night Mode' on All Your Devices
• Report: Apple, Amazon, and Google use supply chain factories that rely on forced labor
• BMW's i4 electric concept car is finally here, and it's got a huge grille
• West Virginia dumps controversial voting app before primary
• Today's Hurdle hints and answers for April 7, 2025
• Family on a stroll discover a zoo's lost crocodile, casually put it in their bathtub
• Kendall Jenner is proving just how meaningless everything she does is
• April the giraffe slides into YouTube traffic history
• We Test a $1,000 CPU From 2010 vs. Ryzen 3
• How coronavirus may be affecting iPhone production

• AMC to air two
• Here's why men are polishing one fingernail this October
• Google's Chromecast Ultra does 4K for $69
• Here's why you shouldn't experiment with your plastic £5 notes
• People are pissed that Google closed out its event so abruptly
• How to hide your location on Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• Google's Assistant will spread to non
• Samira Wiley of 'OITNB' is now engaged to show writer Lauren Morelli
• Rihanna shows off a new hairdo on Instagram
• 'American Horror Story' gets seventh season order from FX

• Best Sony deal: Save $100 on WH
• Nia Dennis wows with Beyoncé
• SETI no longer needs your idle computer to search for alien life
• Twitter's GOP critics see bias. One of them is now pushing for change.
• Turtle Beach Recon 50P gaming headset deal: 28% off
• New Heathrow runway nixed because of climate change
• This designer turns boring power boards into colourful works of art
• New Heathrow runway nixed because of climate change
• Best soundbar deal: Save $300 on the Sonos Arc
• Vivo's new Apex concept phone has zero ports and a 7.5x optical zoom camera

• 8 Years Later: Does the GeForce GTX 580 Still Have Game in 2018?
• Sharp converts factory to make 150,000 face masks a day amid coronavirus outbreak
• The NSA's $100 million call surveillance program was a big flop
• John Boyega's movie workout sessions look painfully hilarious
• 5 Ways to Access a Locked Windows Account
• What big tech wants with your medical data
• Oppo Reno3 Pro launches with dual 44
• This woman's outraged response to the general election has gone gloriously viral
• Norrie vs. Diallo 2025 livestream: Watch Madrid Open for free
• Clearview AI hack exposes facial recognition company's client list