Year by year, improvement by improvement, electric vehicles are becoming more user friendly.
Since they are undeniably less harmful to the planet than the internal combustion engine, that is the half of the equation the industry needs to get right.
Volvo takes another large step in that direction with its 2024 XC40 Recharge Ultimate: Improvements include a new powertrain, longer range, and faster charging speeds.
The single motor, extended range, rear-wheel drive XC40 benefits from a larger battery pack that allows for charging at a higher maximum rate. This enables the vehicle to receive more energy in the same amount of time as before with a range of 280 miles. The motor is combined with a shift-by-wire single speed transmission.
I charged from 13 per cent capacity to 92 percent in about 45 minutes at the Electrify America charging station in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart across from Everett Mall. I passed the time browsing at Half Price Books and reading “Birnam Wood.”
Another first for Volvo is the introduction of an in-house-developed, second-generation permanent magnet electric motor. The new electric motor was designed and developed from scratch at Volvo’s research and development centre in Gothenburg with the aim of creating a power unit that is engineered to the brand’s exacting specifications.
The updates extend beyond the electric motor itself because the XC40 Recharge changes drive axles in the Single Motor variants from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive – the first Volvo in 25 years to have this type of driveline layout. In total, three new powertrains are offered that include a new AWD variant along with two RWD variants in standard range and extended range.
By using the rear wheels to propel the car, it becomes more dynamic and agile to drive compared to front-wheel drive. The car steers sharper into the curves giving an agile and a responsive drive. The rear-wheel drive also improves traction, making for faster acceleration and excellent towing characteristics.
“The XC40 Recharge is a core model for our brand and has successfully help build our line-up of fully electric products,” said Javier Varela, Volvo Cars chief operating officer and deputy chief executive. “The latest updates represent a major step forward in terms of the engineering, efficiency and performance of these models. Consequently, this enhances the competitiveness and customer appeal considering range, charging times and charging speeds are still top-of-mind for customers when it comes to making the switch to electric.”
The XC40 also receives one pedal drive, which I happen to love. It reminds me of an electric golf cart. The gas pedal propels the vehicle, but when your foot is removed, the car slows to a complete stop without the use of a brake. All the while the motor is recouping energy that extends range.
Ultimate creature comforts do not disappoint. All five passengers benefit from a laminated panoramic roof with power sunshade, Harman Kardon premium sound system, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, 360 camera, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and four USB ports.
Safety is the attribute on which the Volvo brand was built. Electric versions are no different.
Every aspect of the performance of a Volvo car is engineered to deliver its highest achievable level of safety, independent of whether it uses front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The technical design of an electric car with a large battery and lighter powertrain components allows for a low centre of gravity and well-balanced weight distribution.
The lengthy list includes low and high speed collision mitigation, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, run-off-road protection and mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keeping aid, front and rear park assist, and pilot assist with adaptive cruise control.
Base Price: $59,995
Price As Driven: $59,995
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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