A concept but not only, because the Volvo Concept Recharge is very close to what the future of the Swedish company will be, between new models and integration into a wider energy network.
Presented virtually even before the arrival of the Covid pandemic, the futuristic car defined as the manifesto of the future by Volvo Cars arrived at the Volvo Studio in Milan in recent days.
The all-electric Concept Recharge is also much more than a showcase of the carmaker's future design language and product strategy.
"It is a concept but also a car - explained Michele Crisci, president of Volvo Cars Italia - which will be the progenitor of a Volvo range of the future, between safety, design and sustainability.
Volvo doesn't like the muscularity of cars, simply because the mobility of the future won't be like that.
"When the machines are able to collide less - added Crisci - we will use less heavy metals to build them and less energy to move them. This is exactly why safety, design and sustainability are linked. The frontier of safety and sustainability is automation ".
Through the Concept Recharge, Volvo Cars has indeed decided to illustrate the initiatives it will take in all areas of the development of fully electric cars to reduce the carbon footprint of its products and all its operational activities.
The automaker plans to sell only 100% electric cars by 2030 and aims to become a circular and climate-neutral company by 2040.
By using sustainable materials for the car's interior, by equipping it with tires made from recycled and renewable material, by improving aerodynamics and by adopting other measures such as the use of clean energy along a decarbonised supply chain, in the production process and in the use of the car, Volvo Cars expects to be able to reduce a car's lifecycle CO2 footprint by 80% compared to a 2018 Volvo XC60.
The Concept Recharge is also an example of the future use of sustainable materials.
The interior design features both natural and recycled materials, such as responsibly sourced Swedish wool, eco-sustainable fabrics and lightweight composites made from natural sources.
Responsibly sourced Swedish wool is transformed into an all-natural, additive-free, breathable fabric.
The seat cushions and door contact surfaces are made of an environmentally friendly material containing Tencel cellulose fibres, a very resistant and soft fabric on the skin.
By using Tencel fibers, which are produced in a process that is highly efficient in terms of water and energy resources, Volvo's designers are able to reduce the use of plastic for the interior.
Elsewhere in the cabin, including the lower storage spaces, the back of the headrest and the footrest, Concept Recharge uses a linen compound, also used for the bumpers and door sills, developed by Volvo Cars in collaboration with its suppliers.
It is a material that contains fibers obtained from the flax plant, which are mixed with other fibers to obtain a robust and light structure, with a pleasant and natural appearance.
See the photos
Volvo Concept Recharge
