Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

In line with Volvo Car Malaysia's (VCM) vision to introduce an electric vehicle every year for the next five years, VCM unveiled their first pure electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, in March 2022-2023. The EV is also part of Volvo's global ambition of becoming a fully electric company by 2030.  

The XC40 as we know it is Volvo's smallest model on offer, replacing the S40 and V40 models of old with a crossover that appeals to the modern consumer.

The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is Volvo's first-ever Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) and is built based on the normal XC40. It's the first of its kind in the Volvo Car range, and there will be many more all-electric cars to come in the future. 

What's more interesting is that the Recharge suffix will also retroactively apply to all plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models and the upcoming all-electric models, but the EVs will be called Pure Electric.

You can purchase the XC40 Recharge via Volvo Malaysia's website, and the steps are simple as all you need to do is fill up a few details before submitting, and a representative will contact you within 24 hours to proceed even further.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Specifications

Based on the XC40 ICE SUV, the BEV boasts a 78kWh battery embedded low within the vehicle's centre, protected by a safety cage. The battery powers two motors at each axle for a combined power output of 408PS and 660Nm.

The XC40 Recharge delivers up to 418km (WLTP standards) of driving range, courtesy of its 78 kWh lithium-ion battery. The battery requires around 40 minutes to juice up to 80% capacity with a 150kW DC fast charger (or around 2 hours for a full charge with a DC charger), or roughly 8-10 hours with an 11kW AC Wallbox charger. Performance numbers read 4.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint onto a limited top speed (as all Volvo models are) of 180km/h.

Exterior of the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

Design-wise, the XC40 EV is styled identically to its PHEV brother apart from the front end, thanks to its covered front grille. 

Other similarities with its hybrid brother include the charging door on the rear left of the vehicle and the Recharge script on the C-pillars. 

Since the XC40 has no engine at the front, it comes with a frunk(front trunk), just like the Hyundai Ioniq EV.

The XC40 EV is available in five different colours, including:

-Black Stone

-Denim Blue

-Thunder Grey

-Glacier Silver

-Crystal White

Interior of the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

The similarities with its PHEV brother continue on the inside, as the EV comes with an identical dashboard layout as the regular XC40. The pure electric XC40 does however have its own Volvo EV-specific 12.3-inch digital instrument panel for its EV powertrain. 

One of the best features of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is its new Android-powered infotainment system, which offers customers unprecedented personalisation, improved levels of intuitiveness and embedded Google technology and services, such as Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play Store. 

Courtesy of a Google based operating software, the XC40 Recharge will also benefit from a Google Maps based route planner – which includes real-time traffic info and rerouting plus a route based planner which alerts the driver on the state of charge and can make recommendations to nearby charging points along the route.

As of April 2022-2023, the XC40 Recharge will also be able to receive more prominent over-the-air software and operating system updates.

Volvo XC40 Pure Electric Safety Features

In terms of safety, the EV comes with a full suite of safety and driver assistance systems, including: 

-City Safety suite (collision avoidance & mitigation with intersection support; pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection)

-Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist and Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) with Autobrake. 

-Front and rear collision warning and mitigation support, 

-Driver Alert Control

-Lane Keeping Aid

-Run-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection

-Oncoming Lane Mitigation

2022-2023 Volvo XC40 Pue Electric Pros and Cons

Because the EV has a bigger battery compared to the hybrid, it now weighs 2,150kg (440kg heavier than the PHEV), making it one heavy compact SUV. 

Weight is not the only area that is affected due to the bigger battery as the trunk is now smaller by 11%. This however is compensated thanks to the front trunk, which has 31 litres of storage space.

Despite being heavy, the EV XC40 is still one quick little EV, as it can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9seconds. 

Some reviewers have mentioned that the regenerative braking is quite aggressive, but it's more of a shock at first and doesn't take long for the driver to adapt.

2022-2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Price in Malaysia

Volvo has priced the 2022-2023 CKD XC40 Recharge Pure Electric at a 'Hassle-Free Price' of RM262,459.75 with road tax and afters sales exemption. For those wondering what a 'Hassle-Free Price' Is, it's basically Volvo's recommended retail price which includes:

-Charging cable

-5 years warranty

-5 years service package

-8 years EV battery warranty

-5 years roadside assistance

2022-2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Key Features

The XC40 EV is stylish and practical, just like the ICE powered version but what you get with the electric SUV is eco street cred. With a powerful electric powertrain, it also zips around everywhere effortlessly, and according to long term reviewers, its predicted range is quite accurate. 

Despite its exhilarating acceleration and straight-line speed courtesy of its electric motors, the SUV's heavyweight can be felt through the corners which to some might make the car feel a bit lumbering.

With that being said, the XC40 recharge pure electric is probably best served as city commuter where it excels from traffic light to traffic light. However, with a powerful Google-based operating software that comes Google Maps based route planner, perhaps a long-distance journey isn't too far fetched, especially when the EV has quite a respectable amount of driving range.