Volvo Previews the Future with Concept Recharge EV

Previewing the Future

Volvo recently revealed that it, like many automakers, is planning on converting its entire lineup to electric vehicles, in this case by 2030. Part of the automaker's plan known as "Concept Recharge," Volvo's electrification roadmap also involves implementing a fresh design language and rolling out a host of new technologies, as well as new vehicles, of course. And the Volvo Concept Recharge previews what all of that might look like.

Photos: Volvo

Less Is More

As is the case with Tesla, in particular, Volvo took a "less is more" approach with the Concept Recharge. Much of this is made viable through electrification, which involves ditching the internal combustion engine and using that space to increase interior and cargo volume. Like many automakers, Volvo built its first generation of EVs on shared platforms with ICE vehicles, but this concept rides on its own dedicated architecture.

Photos: Volvo

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Slimming Down

In addition to more space on the inside, the Concept Recharge features a lower-profile hood and reshaped roof to aid aerodynamics. From there, the design team simplified the car's look by removing anything that wasn't necessary, including the grille. They then added Volvo's "Thor's Hammer" headlight design, along with the automaker's signature vertical rear taillights.

Photos: Volvo

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Centerpiece

The interior of the Concept Recharge continues that theme, with a 15-inch touchscreen standing as the centerpiece. The screen is running Volvo's next-generation software that is designed to be easy to use and intuitive. From there, the cabin is all about clean lines and the extensive use of sustainable and natural materials.

Photos: Volvo

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Living Room on Wheels

"Inside the Concept Recharge, we create a truly Scandinavian living room feeling," said Robin Page, Volvo's head of design. "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."

Photos: Volvo

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Autonomous Safety

Like most electric vehicles out there, the Concept Recharge is also capable of driving itself thanks to the integration of a Luminar LiDAR sensor on the roof. Volvo didn't dive into specifics about how its future self-driving tech might work, but it is committed to autonomous technology as a way to expand upon its reputation for safety.

Photos: Volvo

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Moving Forward

"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," Page explained. "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."

Photos: Volvo

>>Join the conversation about the Concept Recharge right here in the Electric Vehicles Forums!