Now available to order in Ireland, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, much like the combustion-engined XC40, is based on Volvo’s Common Modular Architecture (CMA). Instead of a combustion engine, it uses a 78kWh battery pack mounted under the cabin floor, and an electric motor on each axle. Volvo highlights the electric powertrain in the XC40 Recharge is smaller than a combustion engine. They’ve also included space for a 31-litre storage bin under the bonnet, handy for carrying the car’s charging cables. The cabin space is also unchanged over the standard car.
The system has a maximum output of 402bhp and 660Nm of torque, which Volvo says is enough for a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The Recharge will be capable of more than 400 kilometres on a single charge and has a fast-charging potential of around 80% charge in 40 minutes. A full recharge using the SUV’s on-board 11kW AC charger takes a little longer at eight hours.
The XC40 Recharge P8 is equipped with an infotainment system powered by the Android operating system. The infotainment system offers customers unprecedented personalisation, improved levels of intuitiveness and new embedded Google technology and services, such as the Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store. The XC40 Recharge P8 is also the first Volvo model equipped with a new, scalable Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensor platform that consists of an array of radars, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors.
Volvo aims to introduce a less powerful front-wheel-drive version of the XC40 Recharge, which should drop the current €64,314 starting price. The Care to Offer price adds Service, Roadside Assistance, Warranty, and a €500 Insurance Contribution*, included in the price.
The Swedish brand plans to only sell electric vehicles from 2030 onwards and is aiming to move all sales of its pure-electric cars online. Four more electric cars will be introduced over the next five years, with Volvo aiming for electric vehicles to account for 50 per cent of its sales by 2025.
Going forward, Volvo Cars will take software development in-house as cars become increasingly software-driven. “We have a deliberate strategy of partnering with true technology leaders where it makes sense,” added Henrik Green. “Google is a true leader in user experience and services, from Google Maps to Google Assistant, while NVIDIA gives us access to some of the fastest and best computing available. This approach of selected strategic partnerships is much more effective than trying to do everything on our own.”
