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Volvo XC40 Recharge EV

  • Written by Narend Sooknarine
  • Published in Launches

Volvo aims to be fully electric by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2040. Such is the vision of the company that literally invented the 3-point seatbelt as we know it today. Although regular gasoline and hybrid models are still available, let’s take a closer look at the new XC40 Recharge– the first fully electric Volvo in Trinidad & Tobago. Massy Motors recently held a soft launch event at their Volvo showroom.  

The first thing you may notice is the lack of a traditional front grille because there is no engine up front.

You can, however, open the bonnet to gain access to the front trunk, officially called a frunk, where there is a fairly large storage area, and/or top up your windshield washer fluid.

...flip open the gas lid, and there you will find the inlet to plug in your charge connector.

Apart from that everything appears to be like a standard XC40, until you flip open the gas lid, and there you will find the inlet to plug in your charge connector. Luckily for us it’s the standard J1772 Type 1 + CCS combo found in most cars made for our hemisphere. And yes, Massy now supplies charging units that can be installed by a licensed electrician. This also means that you can plug in at 90% of the charging stations now available across T&T as well as all of the onsite units at Massy Motors branches. Our last count stood at around 9 locations where fast charging is available in T&T– stay tuned for our upcoming video on that. You can also charge at home, once the necessary hardware is installed. 

...environmental responsibility and Scandinavian opulence need not be mutually exclusive.

Apart from its electric drivetrain, Volvo boasts that the XC40 is almost entirely recyclable, with recycled material even being used instead of real leather for the seats and other surfaces– a nod to the care of animals. Volvo still remains a luxury brand, committed to demonstrating that environmental responsibility and Scandinavian opulence need not be mutually exclusive.

The XC40 is also fairly compact yet practical and loaded with great features such as the 360˚ parking view, which simulates a real-time overhead view of the vehicle using strategically placed cameras. 

Both models are able to surpass 400km in range. Depending on how you drive you can reach a maximum of 418km...

How fast is it? You’re looking at 0-100km/h in 4.9s and a top speed of 180km/h on the 408hp P8 twin-motor AWD model. A 231hp P6 single motor FWD version is also available that makes the run in 7.4s and tops out at 160km/h. Both models are able to surpass 400km in range. Depending on how you drive you can reach a maximum of 418km according to Volvo. The XC40 Recharge can handle up to 150kW fast charging, and fast charging times should be around 37 minutes to go from 10%-80% charged. Thankfully we live on a tropical island which means that some factors that can affect rapid charging times such as extreme cold, do not apply. Island life also means that we don’t usually have to cover large distances in a single day– 400+km is more than adequate. 

0-100km/h in 4.9s and a top speed of 180km/h on the 408hp P8 twin-motor AWD model.

In terms of tech and functionality, Apple Car Play and Android auto are standard, along with Google built-in to the car’s interface. You can access Google Maps with Google Assistant voice commands on the central screen and receive directions on the driver’s dashboard. You can even add a stop at a charging station along the way.

Another interesting fact is that there is no need to us an ignition key or even a start button in the XC40 Recharge, you keep the key in your pocket or in the vehicle, sit in the driver’s seat and everything powers up like an alien craft from a sci-fi show. Crank up the volume on your fav tunes and the Harman Kardon premium sound system will caress your ears as much as you like, offering a wide tonal range and distortion-free listening pleasure.

...keep the key in your pocket or in the vehicle, sit in the driver’s seat and everything powers up like an alien craft from a sci-fi show.

There’s a powered sunroof and panoramic overhead glass, and tons of other great features. And although we haven’t taken an official drive yet, we’ve been assured that the pace and handling is quite good, something we’re inclined to believe since we were able to sample the petrol version of the XC40 when the model made its debut in Panama.

In fact, with the electric model’s lower centre of gravity, we expect it to be stellar on corners. Pricing is around the TT $600k area depending on exact specifications, and you can contact any Volvo or all-brand representative at Massy Motors to schedule a test drive. P.S. - we hear another new electric model from Volvo is on the way...

Technical Specifications:
Volvo XC40 Recharge P8

Price approx. TT$599K (subject to change)
Battery / Expected Optimal Battery Life 75 kWh / 8 years
Electric motor Dual 300kW (150x2)
Transmission Single-speed
Drive system All-wheel-drive
Power Output 300kW / 408hp
Torque Output 660Nm (330x2) / 487ft-lb
Top Speed 180km/h (elec. limited)
0-62mph (0-100km/h) 4.9s
Range est. 400-418km (208 miles)
Suspension Front / Rear Macpherson suspension with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar / Multi-link with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Brake System Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA)
Steering system Electrical Power Assisted Rack
Wheels with tyres (F&R) 20" with 235/45 R20 tyres
Ground clearance 176mm (6.9 inches)
Length / Width / Height 4425mm / 2034mm / 1651mm
Cargo capacity - rear seats up / rear seats down + underfloor / Frunk 414L / 1290L / 31
Vehicle weight 2188kg (4824 lbs)
Max. Trailer / Roof load 1500kg / 75kg
Charger Type SAE J1772 - Type 1 CCS AC and fast DC combination connector (Combo 1)
Charging time AC 11kW 8 hours
Charging time DC 150kW (Fast Charger) 40 minutes


Our walkaround video can also give you some insights:

 
 
 
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And here are some photos from the launch event... enjoy! [Lyden Thomas]

 

Related articles: Volvo Showroom Mixers

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