Volvo’s first fully electric car, the XC40 Recharge, is quietly becoming a very solid choice for anyone looking to get a small electric SUV. Recently the Swedish automaker presented us with a walkaround of their XC40 and some of its features.
For those needing a refresher, the basic specifications of the XC40 Recharge are as follows:
- Dual-Motor 300 kW (402 hp) powertrain
- 78 kWh battery (75 kWh usable)
- Range: >400 km (248 miles) WLTP
- 150 kW Charging
- 0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 112 mph
As the XC40 Recharge is not a purpose-built electric car, but instead an electric variant of their existing gasoline-powered XC40, the exterior of the Recharge is not unlike most of Volvo’s current offering.
Aside from the flush grille, embossed “Recharge” logo on the C-Pillar, new wheels, and actual “P8 AWD Recharge” badge, there would be no way to distinguish the EV from the regular XC40. That, of course, is not a bad thing if you like the design of Volvo’s regular cars, which I personally do.
Moving on to some of the technology featured in the SUV, we are able to see Volvo’s android-based infotainment system which features apps like Google Maps and Google Play, which most of us are already familiar with. Having an established software company produce your infotainment is a good move in my opinion, especially when it basically mirrors the interactions we have with our smartphones every day. Interestingly enough, while the center console is a dedicated screen, it is not as large as most companies started putting in their EVs following the Model S, so might find the screen to be slightly cramped.
There will also be over-the-air (OTA) updates as well as an app that will allow you to set the climate control for the interior before stepping in, or keeping an eye on the charge level of the car.
Volvo then goes on to talk about the electric powertrain. While most of the information presented in this portion won’t be news to anyone who reads and EV blog (regenerative braking, lower center of gravity compared to ICE cars, one-pedal driving, etc.), I think Volvo does a good job at explaining the basics to potential customers who might not be too well versed in electric car technology.
Lastly, it wouldn’t be Volvo if they didn’t touch upon the safety of their vehicles. The video goes on to describe the different strengths of the structure and the reimagining of their forward structure due to no longer have an engine inside. They also pointed out that keeping the battery safe is also a priority. Interestingly enough, while most companies choose to highlight their driver assistance features in the context of autonomous driving, Volvo is still making sure that the focus of their driver assistance features are in regards to avoiding accidents. They do however state that their suite of sensors “is prepared for future innovations”. Perhaps some of the OTA updates for the XC40 Recharge will unlock new autonomous features akin to how Tesla does it.
Overall the XC40 Recharge is quietly becoming a very solid choice and alternative to the Tesla Model Y. While a price has still not been announced, it is rumored that it will start in the mid-$50,000 range while also still being eligible for the full $7,500 EV tax credit.
How do you guys feel about the XC40 Recharge and Volvo’s EV trajectory in general? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
