The new XC40 Recharge

The battery has a nominal capacity of 78 kWh. A fully-charged battery gives you a projected range of over 200 miles* at mixed driving before you need to recharge. But your real-world range is also affected by your driving style and other circumstances such as outdoor temperature, weather, wind, topography and roads. Other factors that impact range are how much electricity you use for car functions such as heating and cooling of the car. One way to improve range, is to pre-condition your car during charging so it’s already comfortable climatized when you go. You can also add a heat pump that saves valuable energy.

But on a daily basis, you will probably fill up the battery whenever the car is parked where charging is possible – be it at home, at work or in the city. So range should not be an issue for everyday driving provided that you have good access to charging.

*Range according to the realistic WLTP and EPA driving cycles under controlled conditions for a new vehicle. Real-world range may vary. Figures are based on preliminary target. Final vehicle certification pending.

The charging time depends on the charging equipment you use and the electric installation at home. The standard charging cable with a household connector is primarily an auxiliary cable and not recommended for regular charging. Charging an empty battery to 80% with this cable takes approximately 30–55 hours depending on market. Or, which is perhaps more relevant: around 4–8 miles range per hour. For regular and considerably shorter charging times at home, we recommend you complement with a cable capable of up to 3.5 kW or 11 kW charging. These cables give charging times of approximately 18.5–5.5 hours (around 12–37 miles range per hour) respectively.

But for the most efficient and integrated home charging solution, we recommend the Volvo Cars Wallbox. This powerful 11 kW, 32A installation will give you approximately 5.5 hours charging time (from empty to 80%) or 60 km range per hour.

When charging at stations outside your home, the most probable situations are that you will top the battery during shorter periods of time, for example from 40% to 80% (11 kW AC gives around 55–60 km range per hour). And on longer trips, you may charge the car using fast-charging DC stations. At a 150 kW DC charging station you can charge the battery from 10 to around 80% in approximately 40 minutes (or around 100 km range in 10 minutes). Just enough time to take a rest and have a meal.

Please note: Charging times will vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.

The cost for electricity varies depending on local conditions, but the cost can be lower compared to petrol or diesel. The lowered fuel cost is also one of several reasons to switch to an electric car. And for even lower costs, you can pre-set your pure electric XC40 Recharge to charge at the times when the tariffs are the lowest, often at night.

If the battery needs to be replaced, this can be done just like any other technical part of the car.

This pure electric compact SUV is perfectly suited for comfortable long-distance driving. And the battery’s high capacity with a projected range of over 200 miles* ensures you can do so without worrying about range. If you need to charge during the journey, you can do so at an AC charging station or DC fast-charging station. DC fast charging up to 150 kW makes it possible to charge the battery from 10 to 80% in approximately 40 minutes (or around 60 miles range in 10 minutes) – just enough time to rest or have a meal during the trip.

*Range according to the realistic WLTP and EPA driving cycles under controlled conditions for a new vehicle. Real-world range may vary. Figures are based on preliminary target. Final vehicle certification pending.

Smart battery design means all occupants have as much space as in an ordinary XC40. This also gives uncompromised versatility and smart storage solutions. The rear load compartment capacity is 413 litres. The battery encroaches the space below the load floor, but this is to a large extent compensated by the front load compartment under the hood with space for charging cables and other stuff.

We believe you should be able to drive pure electric without compromising on everyday versatility. That’s why the pure electric XC40 Recharge allows towing up to 1,500 kg.

The standard-fitted charging cable is primarily designed as an auxiliary cable for household appliances and is not recommended for regular battery charging. For regular and considerably shorter charging times at home, you can complement with either a 1-phase 16A “Blue Plug” cable or a 3-phase 16A “Red Plug” cable capable of up to 3.5 kW (1-phase) or 11 kW (3-phase) charging. And to really shorten the charging time at home: complement your home electrical by installing the Volvo Cars Wallbox.

Please note: the availability of charging equipment may vary depending on market.

Our recommendation is to charge max 80% (not 100% which shortens the battery life span). This also helps shorten charging times, because the last 20% of the charging takes the longest time to achieve. But if you send a distant destination to the car’s navigation system, the car may suggest you to charge 90–100% for that particular journey or whatever charging level that is needed to reach an appropriate charging station.

In countries where Google Maps include charging stations, you can find public charging stations direct from the map in the car’s centre display or via the Volvo On Call app*. From here you can also select preferred charging stations and get guidance.

*Volvo On Call is not available in all markets.

The battery means there is 500 kg of extra weight that needs to be addressed in an impact – for the car’s occupants as well as for other vehicles. The battery also needs separate protection to avoid harmful leakage after a collision. By utilising a range of innovative safety solutions, Volvo Cars’ safety engineers have met all these challenges.

The electric motors are sealed for life and maintenance-free. So compared to a combustion engine propelled car, the pure electric XC40 Recharge needs much less maintenance which may result in lower running costs.

Over the average full lifecycle, the XC40 Recharge pure electric’s carbon footprint will be lower compared to both the XC40 plug-in hybrid and the XC40 mild hybrid. The exact differences for the vehicle types depend on a lot of parameters, for instance the electricity mix when charging, the vehicle’s life time and driving behaviour.

Volvo Cars works closely with our suppliers to increase the sustainability of our products and services, including through securing responsible supply chains and making efficient use of resources. We are committed to the responsible sourcing of minerals and metals, and fully support the OECD Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-affected and High-risk Areas. In this respect, we require our battery suppliers to support our commitment to have full transparency of our cobalt supply chain by 2020, and to work towards full traceability. Sustainability performance is a key consideration when assessing and selecting our suppliers. We monitor the performance of existing suppliers, and follow up with third party audits. We also put requirements on our battery suppliers to minimise carbon emissions during the production processes, including through the use of renewable energy. All our suppliers have to agree to the Volvo Car’s Code of Conduct for Business Partners, which includes the observation of human rights, including labour rights.