Volvo XC40 Recharge Review

Volvo's first all-electric car - the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric – offers a range of 249 miles and starts at £53,155, with UK deliveries expected to start in early 2021.

With two electric motors, the four-wheel-drive XC40 has a total output of 408PS and 660Nm of torque. Power comes from a 78kWh battery located beneath the car's floor and capable of being charged to 80 per cent in around 40 minutes. Charging is available through an 11kW AC charger or a 150kW DC fast-charger.

The electric XC40 will cover 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, says Volvo, while top speed is limited to 112mph. Although cheaper, the XC40 Recharge will compete with the likes of the Jaguar I-Pace, Audi e-tron and Tesla Model X.

The Swedish manufacturer is aiming for all-electric vehicles to make up for half of its global sales by 2025, with hybrids accounting for the rest. All plug-in cars, including electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, will wear the Recharge badge.

If you're looking for the standard model, you need our Volvo XC40 (2018-) review.

The electric XC40 offers 413 litres of boot space, which is less than the 460 litres of the regular model. Although, due to the space saved by the absence of an engine, it gains a 31-litre ‘frunk’ storage area underneath the bonnet.

The XC40 Recharge is also the first Volvo to feature a new infotainment system powered by the Google Android operating system - which means services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and other apps will be built-in.

The XC40 Recharge is also the first Volvo to feature a new version of Pilot Assist, driver-assist tech which supports steering, acceleration and braking. A new Emergency Stop Assist function is now included, too, meaning that if the driver is not holding the steering wheel while Pilot Assist is activated, the driver will be warned in different stages until the vehicle is brought to a safe stop.

When needed, it can fast-charge from zero to 80% in around 40 minute via a fast charger.

Prices start at £53,155, with UK deliveries expected to start in early 2021. The XC40 Recharge is the first of five fully electric cars to be launched by Volvo over the next five years. However, with a list price over £50,000, the XC40 Recharge won't qualify for the UK plug-in car grant (£3000) following changes made in the Government's budget in March 2020.