The Swedish car manufacturer is set to release its first pure electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge P8 next year. Based on the award-winning, compact-luxury XC40 SUV, the Recharge is Volvo’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Tesla Model Y. But can it compete with those in terms of range?
Volvo is owned by Chinese automotive giants Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and together with its parent company launched the Polestar brand to develop and promote electric vehicles. Despite this, Volvo is still interested in developing its own range of EVs and are set to release the fashionable SUV soon. The XC40 Recharge offers everything you would expect from a Volvo.
It is built with an emphasis on luxury, safety, usability, and durability. The platform at the base of this sub-compact SUV is the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) co-developed with Geely and used by the Polestar 2.
Photo: Volvo Car Corporation
The XC40 Recharge is powered by an all-wheel-drive powertrain holding two electric motors; one drives the front wheels and the other, which is integrated into the body structure for better distribution of collision forces, powers the rear.
The car uses Regenerative Braking technology which, among other things, enables the use of one-pedal driving, a must-have feature for an EV. The combined power of the motors is a healthy 402HP. The specification sheet form Volvo reveals the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in 4.7 seconds but that has yet to be tested.
The powertrain is fed by a 78kWh battery pack, which is protected by an aluminum safety cage that has been embedded in the middle of the car’s body structure, this makes it extremely safe, improves body rigidity and lowers the center of gravity of the car which results in more comfort and better handling.
Photo: Volvo Car Corporation
These are all neat features that should make for a thrilling ride, but how long can Volvo’s first pure electric vehicle drive on a single charge and how does it stack up to its competitors?
Volvo claim that the XC40 Recharge can cover over 400 kilometers (248 miles) on a full charge, which is not really an extraordinary feat. The Model Y Long Range can do 316 miles (508 kilometers). In fact, as far as all EVs go, the XC40 has a modest range.
The Hyundai Kona Electric can do 258 miles (415 kilometers) and the Chevrolet Bolt EV has a range of 259 miles (417 kilometers), both of which are cheaper and are also not a Volvo.
If the Swedish manufacturer’s philosophy of sturdy, safe and luxurious cars is in tune with what you’re looking for, and the basic range doesn’t bother you, the XC40 Recharge is the car for you.
And there is good news if you are really considering paying north to $50.000 for the innovative SUV. Volvo claims the XC40 Recharge's depleted battery will take 40 minutes to reach 80 percent if charging is done using a 150-kW DC fast charger.
On the other hand, if you are not necessarily a Volvo enthusiast and want an innovative, technologically advanced electric SUV, you might want to take a look at what the Tesla Model Y Long Range has to offer. The range is far superior, and it stands in the same $50.000 price range.
Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times. Full profile
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