This is the Volvo XC40 Recharge, the Swedish firm’s first fully electric car. By 2025 Volvo is aiming to make all-electric vehicles account for 50 per cent of all sales.

The electric XC40 also heralds the arrival of a new Volvo sub-brand, called Recharge, under which all chargeable models – that means plug-in hybrid as well as fully electric vehicles – will now sit. Five additional electric models will join the XC40 Recharge over the next five years.

Based on Volvo’s Common Modular Architecture (CMA), like all other XC40 variants, the electric version is powered by a 78kWh battery located beneath the car’s floor. It drives two electric motors, one on each axle, to deliver four-wheel drive. Total power output is claimed at 402bhp and 660Nm of torque, which gives a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds, says Volvo.

Volvo also claims the XC40 Recharge can cover up to 248 miles on a full battery. Topping up from an 11kw wall box unit owners are likely to have at home will top up the battery from flat in a little under eight hours. Using a 150kw rapid charger, only likely to be found at motorway service stations, will give a 0-80 per cent charge in 40 minutes.

Visually, the XC40 Recharge is marked out by a blanked off front grille and ‘Recharge’ branding embossed into the car’s blacked-out c-pillar.

Inside, the cabin design is carried over from the rest of the XC40 range but a new infotainment system, powered by Google’s Android operating system, makes an appearance for the first time.