Volvo XC40 Recharge

Hello, electric car lovers! In this blog, I cover all the latest tech news surrounding electric cars. I cover the background, feel and drive, the current selling price, and the specs and engineering that go into making each car. If you have an electric car that you’d like me to cover let me know in the comments below. In today's article, I’m reviewing the new Volvo XC40. I’ll be covering the most important features to see whether it crushes the competition or not with it’s luxurious interior unlike the minimalism we find in most EVs. Oh, and one more thing before I start -  How does an electric vehicle meditate? It goes.. ohhhhhmmmmm.

Okkaayyyy...  Now back to the article.

Background

Volvo Cars produces the Volvo XC40, a compact premium crossover SUV.  On September 21, 2017, it was introduced. Orders began to be taken in September of 2017, and production began in November of the same year. It was first offered with conventional petrol and diesel engines, followed by a plug-in hybrid variant in 2019 and a battery electric vehicle type, the XC40 Recharge, in 2020.

At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the XC40 was named European Car of the Year.

 and the car was selected 2018/2019 Car of the Year in Japan. In January 2018, the magazine What Car? named the XC40 Car of the Year, as well as Carsales Car of the Year in 2018, and Irish Car of the Year in 2019. To fulfill worldwide demand, the business boosted manufacturing from 2018 to 2019.

Volvo is a little late to the EV party for a company that prides itself on innovation, but that doesn't matter because the fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge is poised to dominate an entire market in 2021. The Recharge, as its name implies, is based on the XC40, which is a terrific place to start. The normal XC40 is pleasant and practical, and the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge preserves those qualities. The Tesla Model Y and the Mercedes-Benz EQB are among the compact EV crossovers that this boxy baby SUV competes with. The Tesla has a longer driving range, but it isn't as attractive or well-designed as the Volvo.

Design and Engineering

Speaking of design, when a company releases its first electric vehicle, it wants to make a big statement. Porsche and Ford both created whole new models, even going so far as to use their most precious nomenclature. Volvo seemed unconcerned about causing a stir. You could stroll right past the Recharge and not notice the little variations between it and a typical small SUV.

Because there is no engine to cool down, the outward alterations are quite minor, including a blocked-off front grille. Recharge badges may also be seen on the sides and tailgate, as well as model-specific 19-inch alloy wheels. A panoramic sunroof, active LED headlights, and the distinctive Thor's Hammer daytime running lights are all standard. The understated style is appealing, but will it appeal to the diehard EV crowd? After all, the only thing an EV driver enjoys more than their car is letting others know they own one. It's similar to CrossFit and vegetarianism, but with automobiles.

The XC40 Recharge has nearly identical proportions as the conventional XC40, with the exception of curb weight. The gas-powered XC40 has a top weight of 3,837 pounds, while the XC40 recharge has a curb weight of 4,741 pounds thanks to the twin electric engine and battery pack. Although this crossover has a small footprint, it is heavier than the non-hybrid XC90, which is a significantly larger SUV.

With the mirrors folded out, this small crossover is 174.2 inches long, 65 inches tall, and 80.1 inches wide. Because of the battery in its belly, ground clearance has been reduced drastically from the conventional model's 8.3 inches to only 6.9 inches.

Interior

The process of electrification has no effect on interior space. It's a good match for the small crossover type, with enough accommodation for a family of four. Passengers in the front get 40.9 inches of legroom and 39 inches of headroom, while those in the back have 36.1 inches of legroom and 39.1 inches of headroom. Because of the black leather and strong C pillars, the cabin might be very gloomy, but the standard panoramic sunroof brightens things up well during the day. The appealing charcoal nubuck cloth Nappa leather upholstery adds to the roomy cabin's appeal.

As previously stated, switching electric has had no negative impact on space. The cargo capacity in the Volvo XC40 is 16 cubic feet to the top of the rear seatback, 20.4 cubic feet to the headliner, and 46.9 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. You now have a frunk since there is no engine up front and the electric motor is situated low down. The XC40's frunk, on the other hand, is less than one cube in capacity.

Still, it's an usable area that didn't exist before, and it's large enough to hold all of the items you'll need to recharge at work.

Small goods can be placed in a regular glovebox or in a large bin under the armrest. Water bottles may be stored in the deep and spacious door pockets all around. For your Chai Lattes, there are two cupholders up front and two more in the back of the rear-seat armrest.

The Recharge is the most luxurious model in the XC40 lineup, featuring a long list of comfort and driver aid options. It comes standard with keyless entry and drive, heated and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone temperature control, and a new 12-inch digital instrument cluster. There are three display modes available on the latter. The Calm mode is simple and gives only the most important information, whereas the Navi mode includes step-by-step navigation directions. There's also a Car-Centric mode that concentrates on the driving assistance systems. When you use Pilot Assist, for example, it will show the car from the top and the lines it detects on both sides. The Recharge boasts a number of driver assistance systems, including frontal collision warning, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert.

Volvo's simple interior design has been kept, but it has been modernized for improved performance. The Recharge has a nine-inch touchscreen with four vertical blocks and conventional button shortcuts beneath the screen. Volvo's previous system was beginning to show its age, but the company did something fantastic to make the new system seem more like a smartphone.

It really sought assistance from a smartphone developer. Google's Android Automotive OS is installed on the new touchscreen. That means you can use Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Keyboard, get over-the-air updates, and install more car-related applications from the Google Play Store. Don't worry if you're an Apple fanboy. The system may also be used with an iPhone. Although a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer is available, the conventional eight-speaker system suffices. Bluetooth connection is also provided, as expected.

Volvo deserves credit for making such a wise decision. Because they work in the same way, switching between a phone and a vehicle interface has never been easier. Here's a piece of advice for all other manufacturers: Go to the individuals who design and build smartphones if you want your infotainment systems to operate as well as smartphones.

Performance

The P8 AWD engine is what Volvo calls the Recharge's engine. It is powered by two electric motors, one for each axle. A 78 kWh lithium-ion battery powers these motors, resulting in a tremendous power output of 300 kW and 486 lb-ft of torque. As with other modern Volvo automobiles, the transmission is a single-speed, and peak speed is limited to 112 mph. The EV motors spin at 14,000 rpm at peak speed, in case you were wondering. Because you're only permitted to drive at 85 mph in some regions of the United States, that's completely OK.

The XC40 Recharge has an electric all-wheel-drive system that is always on. The motors aren't linked, but power is generally distributed 50/50 between the front and back wheels, however the car's brain may instantaneously adjust torque depending on driving circumstances. The Recharge's power output may make you think it's insanely quick, but that's not the case. The reported time from zero to sixty miles per hour is 4.7 seconds.

That used to be quick before current EVs, but in a world where a Tesla Model S Plaid can get there in under two seconds, we need a new set of rules. Nonetheless, test drivers claim that the Volvo XC40 Recharge SUV offers immediate EV thrust. The two electric motors provide quick feedback no matter what the speed is. The Model Y Performance is a tenth of a second faster to 60 than the Model Y Long Range, but it's easily faster. The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge can tow up to 2,000 pounds, according to Volvo. That's not a lot, but it's a start.

Battery life

The XC40 Recharge comes standard with a 75 kWh battery pack, and the EPA estimates a range of 223 miles per charge. With that range promise, the XC40 Recharge can compete with the Audi e-Tron and Jaguar I-Pace, but it falls short of the Model Y, which can go more than 300 miles on a single charge.

The XC40 Recharge will be able to charge at DC fast charging terminals as well as at 240-volt home chargers. However, charging at home is preferable. The Volvo adds 32 to 37 miles per hour using a three-phase 11 kW wallbox. For a completely empty battery, this approach will take eight hours to fully charge.

However, bear in mind that you won't be depleting the battery every day, and it will be charged from roughly 40 to 50 percent of the time. It's the same charging routine you use for your phone. Is there ever a point where it reaches zero?

Price and model range

The XC40 Recharge is offered in two trims. Here’s the price of each trim:

●  The Plus trim costs $56,395

●  The ultimate trim costs $59,245

Although there are just two models, it is worthwhile to consider the options. A nice metallic color will set you back $695. Because the Recharge is already well-equipped, the $1,300 Advanced Package, which includes headlamp cleaning, Pilot Assist Driver Assistance with adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree video system, a 12-volt connection in the trunk, and wireless charging, is the sole choice.

This wraps up my review of the Volvo XC40, let me know what you think of it.

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