The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric represents Volvo’s initial foray into the all-electric compact SUV segment. Introduced in November 2020 and produced through March 2022, this vehicle is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) designed to compete with other premium electric crossovers like the Audi e-tron and BMW iX3. While the XC40 model itself is globally recognized, the Recharge variant was primarily targeted towards markets with established electric vehicle infrastructure, including Europe and North America. It leverages Volvo’s established reputation for safety and Scandinavian design, packaged within a fully electric powertrain.
Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric: An Overview
The XC40 Recharge is built upon Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), a platform designed to accommodate both internal combustion engine and electric powertrains. This flexibility allowed Volvo to quickly introduce an electric version of their popular XC40 crossover. The Recharge distinguishes itself with its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, providing brisk acceleration and confident handling. It’s positioned as a premium offering, emphasizing both performance and sustainability.
Engine & Performance
The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is powered by a twin-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Each motor, one positioned on the front and one on the rear axle, delivers 204 horsepower and 330 Nm (243.4 lb.-ft.) of torque. Combined, the system produces a total output of 408 horsepower and 660 Nm (486.79 lb.-ft.) of torque. This results in impressive acceleration figures: 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds, and 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The powertrain utilizes a 78 kWh (gross) / 75 kWh (net usable) lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor, providing a WLTP-rated range of 400-418 km (248.55 – 259.73 miles). Energy consumption is rated at 23.8-25 kWh per 100 km (38.3 – 40.23 kWh per 100 miles), translating to 88-84 MPGe and a range of 4.2-4 km/kWh (2.6-2.5 mi/kWh).
Design & Features
The XC40 Recharge maintains the distinctive design language of the standard XC40, characterized by its bold front grille, sculpted lines, and compact proportions. However, subtle design cues differentiate the electric variant, including a closed-off grille and aerodynamic enhancements. The interior features a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic, emphasizing clean lines and high-quality materials. A prominent 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS, controls most vehicle functions. Safety is a paramount concern for Volvo, and the XC40 Recharge is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and provides 419 liters (14.8 cu. ft.) of trunk space, expandable to 1295 liters (45.73 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | XC40 |
| Generation | XC40 |
| Type (Engine) | Recharge Pure Electric 78 kWh (408 Hp) AWD Twin Motor |
| Start of production | November, 2020 |
| End of production | March, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Gross battery capacity | 78 kWh |
| Net (usable) battery capacity | 75 kWh |
| Battery voltage | 400 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 400-418 km (248.55 – 259.73 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 23.8-25 kWh/100 km (38.3 – 40.23 kWh/100 mi) |
| Electric motor power (each) | 204 Hp @ 4350-13900 rpm |
| Electric motor Torque (each) | 330 Nm @ 0-4350 rpm (243.4 lb.-ft. @ 0-4350 rpm) |
| Electric motor location (front) | Front axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor location (rear) | Rear axle, Transverse |
| System power | 408 Hp @ 14000 rpm |
| System torque | 660 Nm @ 0-4350 rpm (486.79 lb.-ft. @ 0-4350 rpm) |
| Kerb Weight | 2113 kg (4658.37 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2650 kg (5842.25 lbs.) |
| Max load | 537 kg (1183.88 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 419 l (14.8 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1295 l (45.73 cu. ft.) |
| Length | 4425 mm (174.21 in.) |
| Width | 1863 mm (73.35 in.) |
| Height | 1647 mm (64.84 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2702 mm (106.38 in.) |
| Front track | 1601 mm (63.03 in.) |
| Rear track | 1610-1615 mm (63.39 – 63.58 in.) |
The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric marked a significant step for Volvo in its commitment to electrification. It demonstrated the brand’s ability to deliver a compelling electric vehicle that combines performance, practicality, and safety, while maintaining the premium character associated with the Volvo nameplate. While production of this specific configuration ended in 2022, it paved the way for further electric models in Volvo’s expanding lineup.
