Going all electric in the new 2023 XC40

With gas prices constantly on the rise, now is as good a time as ever to finally consider switching over to that fully electric vehicle you’ve had your eye on. They’re eco-friendly, not as stress inducing when it comes to the price of gasoline, and ultimately just as powerful, durable and reliable as your gas infused models. So if you’re in the market for an eco-friendly crossover SUV, the fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge is worth considering.

Specs

Going all electric takes some getting used to. It requires a little more intentional planning as you can’t simply drive over to the nearest gas station. It involves knowing where the nearest charging stations are and the quality (speed) of the stations. You could be waiting some time for a full charge so plan ahead. But on a full charge with the Volvo XC40 Recharge, you can drive up to 472km. A fast charge to approximately 80% can take up to 28mins for the single motor model. The twin motor comes in at 34min with fast charging leading to a range of 409km.

But doesn’t electric mean less powerful? Don’t be fooled, the XC40 Recharge doesn’t sacrifice power. From 0-100km at 4.8s and 402 horsepower, this vehicle is as powerful as it is energy efficient. In case you’re wondering, a typical engine requires time to warm up and get going. Yes that time has decreased significantly, but there’s still a lag if you will. Electric vehicles don’t require any of that. On and away you go. The 2023 XC40 Recharge has two electric motors powering both the front and back wheels and also comes in three options: Core, Plus and Ultimate. Safety is the name of the game. The Volvo XC40 Recharge comes with plenty of features to keep you confident on the road. 360 degree parking view, lane assist and more.

Infotainment

The car features Apple CarPlay and built-in Google. The display screen also provides you with the nearest electric charging stations and also the ability to identify how fast those stations are. Super important when you’re on the go and handy for first time electric-vehicle drivers. The 12-inch driver display is designed to give you intuitive control and insight for your drive. Keep your eyes where it matters.

The XC40 Recharge comes with two audio system options. The High Performance option is 8 speakers, 7 channels for 250W output. The Harman Kardon Premium option comes with 13 speakers, 12 channels, 600W output and a Subwoofer.

Seating & Compartment

Ideal for the family on the go or the outdoorsman with plenty of gear, the Volvo XC40 provides a ton of space. A 5-seater with optimal luggage capacity. Don’t forget that the front hood is also a compartment.

Other Thoughts

Ultimately, the car itself is pleasantly surprising. Mostly because as a first time electric driver, I had little expectations about the power and handling. A common misconception. Admittedly, the additional planning around charging stations, especially for longer drives outside the city core can be a challenge but nothing that one doesn’t eventually adjust to. Plus, more charging stations are popping up as more consumers go electric. If your eco-concious, want to save some money by avoiding the pumps and still like a car with some power, give the Volvo XC40 Recharge a try.

One final note, Volvo has rolled out a summer program whereby every Volvo that is test drive, a tree will be planted in association with One Tree Planted.