Volvo Concept Recharge

[Carbon82]

Another boxy looking concept car which reminds me of the 2nd and 3rd generation Honda Odyssey...

For Volvo Cars, electrification is more than simply a shift in powertrains. It represents a new paradigm in car design and the Volvo Concept Recharge is a manifesto for the next generation of all-electric Volvos.

True to the heritage of Scandinavian design, Concept Recharge has the mantra of 'less but better' at its core. 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. The result is a car that offers genuinely better solutions to support a sustainable family life.

Volvo’s first generation of 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, optimise the roof profile and lower the hood of the car while retaining the high eye point beloved by drivers of cars like the Volvo XC40, XC60 and XC90. This approach creates efficiency gains in aerodynamics compared to a typical SUV, which improves range.

This concept car also introduces a new Volvo design language. Continuing the theme of 'less but better', all unnecessary elements have been removed and what remains is treated with a high-precision, flush execution.

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.

“Our Concept Recharge represents a manifesto for the all-electric future of Volvo Cars, as well as a new type of vehicle,” said Robin Page, head of design. “It displays new and modern proportions that go hand-in-hand with increased versatility and shows what technology can enable in terms of design.”

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 touch screen is the centre 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.

“Inside the Concept Recharge, we create a truly Scandinavian living room feeling,” said Robin Page. “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.”

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.

“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,” concluded Robin Page. “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.”

[Volvobrick]

Ugly.... 

[PSP415]

Looks are subjective indeed. 

Ugly

😁😂😂

[Fitvip]

It may look ugly, but, I like its side profile especially.

Suicide doors, glass roof without B-pillar, how safe can the cabin be? Any NCAP rating? 

[Volvobrick]

48 minutes ago, Fitvip said:

It may look ugly, but, I like its side profile especially.

Suicide doors, glass roof without B-pillar, how safe can the cabin be? Any NCAP rating? 

It is just an concept car, not meant for actual production. 

They managed to do something others can't - making it ugly from every angle. 

Edited November 20, 2021 by Volvobrick

[Fitvip]

1 minute ago, Volvobrick said:

It is just an concept car, not meant for actual production. 

They managed to do something others can't - making it ugly from every angle. 

From concept it may go on to the production line later on!

[Carbon82]

Seems that boxy design is making a come back. Considering than EV will have a shorter bonnet (no engine compartment) and a raise height (to accommodate the battery pack), such design is more of a practical consideration than to win a beauty contest. Other similar concept I can think of are:

Dyson BEV

Hyundai Seven

Kia EV9

[kobayashiGT]

low very low leh. got enough headroom anot? hahaha. Angmo very tall one leh.

[Watwheels]

I like the Swedish furniture design in the interior.

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1134204_volvo-shows-off-sustainable-interior-of-concept-recharge

 

This looks like a mic. I hope it is connected to an exterior loud speaker so that the driver can shout/scold at other drivers.

[Newbie26]

On 11/19/2021 at 9:37 PM, PSP415 said:

Looks are subjective indeed. 

Ugly

😁😂😂

sometimes, it takes a while to get used to the new look,

agree that somehow no wow factor at all

[Lethalstrike]

Objectively, I don't think its ugly lah. BMW did a lot better in this sense 😁

But no 7 seater? 

[SGCM928]

On 11/19/2021 at 8:51 PM, Carbon82 said:

 

 

Similar outline as the Renault Espace. 

 

Blending MPV and SUV into 1.

Edited November 23, 2021 by SGCM928