Concept Recharge shows off Volvo's tech, design dreams

In late June, Volvo revealed a virtual concept SUV, the Concept Recharge, that sets the scene for the brand’s upcoming next-generation of EVS, giving an indication of how the brand plans to integrate tech and design moving forward.

Currently, Volvo’s only EVS like the XC40 Recharge in Canada are built on platforms designed for gaspowered vehicles, a fact that leads to design compromises like battery storage being put here, there, and everywhere.

But the upcoming Volvo EVS, like the digital Concept Recharge, will ride on a promised purpose-built platform with a stretched wheelbase, allowing for the battery packs to line the floor of the vehicle, as is standard for EV platforms. This flattening of the floor allows for the wheelbase to be lengthened, overhang to be decreased front and rear, and interior space to be expanded.

Volvo’s automotive interior designers have specced the Concept Recharge’s more expansive insides to give off “a truly Scandinavian living room feeling.”

The SUV’S suicide doors open side to reveal two rows of seating, each with two bucket seats and a large centre storage console.

A 15-inch vertical table-style infotainment screen that is a product of a partnership with Google anchors the dash and is complemented by another driver info screen within the wheel, and a headup display projecting some vitals onto the windscreen.

Outside, we get a glimpse of a new Volvo exterior design language, featuring some slick new Thor’s Hammer headlights that perform a neat blinking trick to reveal full luminosity at night; and a shield-like structure in place of a traditional grille.

The fin-like structure above the windshield is the recently announced LIDAR sensor, which uses light pulses to map the area and help cars “see” what’s around them.

Volvo also plans to roll out a bunch of new software (now being developed inhouse) and hardware that will allow for over-the-air updates to be made to vehicles, and for real-time data to be sent to the brand to improve safety.

Volvo has announced that its next flagship electric vehicle, a yet unnamed SUV that may build on the XC90, is on its way and will arrive next year.