Volvo recently unveiled Concept Recharge, the Swedish automaker?s vision of the future. And unlike its previous all-electric offerings, the Volvo Concept Recharge has none of that cookie-cutter design nonsense. Volvo currently has two EVs in its stable: XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, both of which we can?t tell apart like monozygotic twins.

Thankfully, Concept Recharge is taking a different approach. ?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, Volvo 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.?

Unusual Is Beautiful

Unlike the first Recharge twins that share its underpinnings with Volvo?s XC40 crossover, Concept Recharge has a flat floor, shorter overhangs, and stretched wheelbase ? the result of a dedicated skateboard-style platform like other modern EVs.
Volvo designers took it further by lowering the nose, moving the A-pillars forward, and repositioning the seats, retaining the high eyepoint of Volvo gasoline SUVs like the XC40 and XC90. And instead of pretending to have a front grille, Volvo envisions a shield-like structure flanked by a pair of groovy Thor?s hammer LED headlights.

The rear styling is clean as a whistle. Gone are those intricate taillight designs from past Volvo designs. Concept Recharge has thin, vertical C-shaped taillights. Add...