Swedish car maker Volvo have offered safety and comfort for generations and their latest model range is no different other than the fact that they are embracing electrification.
Known for its commitment to safety and sustainability, the company has been actively transitioning towards electric mobility. One of Volvo’s key offerings in the electric vehicle segment is the Volvo ‘Pure Electric’ lineup.
Volvo Pure Electric vehicles are fully electric cars that run entirely on electric power, emitting zero tailpipe emissions. These vehicles are designed to combine sustainable driving with advanced technologies and luxurious features, characteristic of the Volvo brand.
After spending a week with the XC40 Recharge, I will explore what Volvo’s first fully electric SUV offers. Priced from £46,505 it features a sleek design, spacious interior, and a range of almost 300 miles on a single charge.
Loaded with smart storage and Google built-in, Volvo are raising the bar with this model. Their next generation electric powertrains increase the capacity of the XC40 Recharge, giving you longer range and quicker DC fast charging.
The XC40 Recharge doesn’t force you to choose between power and responsible driving. Instead, enjoy the comfort of one pedal drive and smooth acceleration. The XC40 Recharge is available with a single or twin motor powertrain.
Some impressive quick stats show up to 333-mile range and a 0-62 mph dash in 4.9 seconds thanks to 408hp with a 10-80% fast charge possible in 27 minutes for the all-wheel-drive twin motor XC40. The rear-wheel-drive single motor XC40 has a range of up to 289 miles with a 0-62 mph dash of 7.4 seconds.
Available in three trims the XC40 ‘Core’ features CleanZone climate control, cruise control, rear park assist, body-coloured door handles, power tailgate and LED lights. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster features with a 9-inch portrait-orientated infotainment screen.
Starting from £52,555 is the ‘Plus’ which adds a cabin air purifier, heat pump, heated steering wheel, fog lamps with cornering function, adaptive cruise control and pilot assist, BLIS™ and cross traffic alert, rear collision warning, rear-view camera and front park assist.
Keyless entry with hands-free power tailgate also features along with heated rear seats, power drive seat with memory and power passenger seat. 19-inch wheels also feature.
A Range topping ‘Ultimate’ is priced from £56,605 and adds Pixel LED headlights with headlight cleaning, 360-degree camera with front, rear and side park assist, panoramic roof, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, connect suede textile/microtech upholstery features along with high level interior illumination, topography décor and Harman Kardon Premium sound with air-ventilated subwoofer.
Volvo is committed to sustainability beyond just the vehicle itself. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. For instance, Volvo uses renewable energy sources in its production facilities and is actively investing in recycling and reuse programs for EV batteries.
In terms of charging infrastructure, Volvo provides a range of charging solutions to facilitate electric vehicle ownership. This includes home charging options, public charging networks, and partnerships with charging providers for convenient access to charging stations.
Overall, Volvo’s Pure Electric lineup represents the brand’s dedication to electric mobility, offering stylish, safe, and sustainable vehicles as part of their commitment to a more sustainable future.
As much as I loved my week with the XC40 in the best colour of Fjord Blue (pictured at charging station), I struggle to see how anyone could justify over £64,000 for a range topping twin motor XC40 with a few options. I doubt we will see to many on our roads. Even the circa £55,000 for the model tested came as a shock.
Words: GRAHAM BAALHAM-CURRY
Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin 
Rear-wheel drive, more range and faster charging for fully electric Volvo C40 and XC40 models Volvo Cars’ new Range Assistant app for fully electric cars
