Helping the environment without compromising safety: Volvo’s all-electric C40 Recharge

In 2017, Volvo committed to putting one million electric vehicles on the road by 2025. And now, hot off the heels of the hybrid XC40, comes their first offering. But the fully electric C40 Recharge goes a step further in helping the environment. The C40 Recharge is the first step in their goal to be climate neutral by 2040. Let's take a look at what their debut electric SUV has to offer.

Say hello to Volvo’s all-electric C40 Recharge

Volvo is well-known for producing safe, reliable vehicles. So it's fair to say that on previous models, they have sacrificed the style for safety. But that's not the case with their new electric model.

The new C40 Recharge sits in the family SUV category. Yet its slick, sloped, panoramic roof design looks like it's trying to disguise that status. It's almost as if it's a younger and cooler version of its bulkier SUV siblings.

Volvo has developed the exterior of the cars in recent years, and the C40 takes the change further. Gone is the large front grille, now there's no heat to escape. Instead, it has moved to the bottom to help air flow cool the electrics. The headlights are a nice touch. With a shape like Thor's hammer, it's almost a tribute to Volvo's Nordic history.

With a twin motor version also available, the C40 Recharge is ready to compete with its main rivals. The Mercedes EQA, Skoda Enyaq Coupe and Audi Q4 Sportback E-tron had all better watch out. The C40 Recharge is about to take to the road. Another interesting EV soon to be released is the Maxus MIFA 9 MPV.

Performance

The C40 Recharge comes with 228bhp and can achieve 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds. That's almost a second behind its rivals, but still an impressive speed for an electric SUV. If you want a little more bhp, the Recharge Twin hits 402 bhp and goes from 0-62 in a faster 4.7 seconds. This is mainly due to its second battery to aid performance, hence the name Twin.

It also has a clever 'one pedal' option, meaning the driver only uses the accelerator. The brakes enable the car to come to gentle a stop once the pressure on the pedal eases. Don't worry, you can still brake in an emergency.

19-inch wheels come as standard on the Recharge and it also comes with two steering options. The regular mode is perfect for those trips around town, while the 'firm' mode is designed for high-speed performance. From an elegant-looking model to the strange, read our list of the most unique car body shapes ever made.

Aesthetics

The C40 Recharge has two available storage spaces. Under the bonnet is a nice 31L of space to store the charging cable and any other small items. The rear has a standard 413L, not bad for a family SUV. And the rear seats lie flat, giving more space when needed.

There's a decent amount of storage space up front, and the Recharge also has its own handy removable bin. The door bins are large enough to take bigger items, and the felted panels prevent any unnecessary rattling. At the back, there's enough room for three passengers, and the heated seats and panoramic roof make up for the small rear windows. There are also 12v charge points in the back to allow for greater connectivity.

A 9-inch tablet-style screen comes with Android software and Google built-in. But if you prefer Apple, you'll have to wait a bit longer until Volvo upgrades to include it. Full-screen mapping is available on the driver’s display, so minimal eye movement from road to map makes the drive safer.

Volvo has maintained the keyless entry system, but dispensed with the start button. Instead, you simply put the car into drive and away you go. The C40 Recharge also comes with a 12v charge point, integrated USB ports and a wireless mobile phone charging point as standard.

Sustainability and driving

The first question asked of electric cars is usually about the battery. What's the performance like? Well, the C40 Recharge comes with a 69kwh battery which gives it an impressive range of around 269 miles.

If you're out and about, you can charge the C40 from a 150kw DC charge to 80% in around 30-40 minutes. On a home 7.5kw charge, it takes around 12 hours to go from empty to full. A nice and simple overnight charging rate. Want to read more? Check out our review of the Audi Q4 E-Tron SUV.

Conclusion

Volvo has targeted a fully electric range by 2030, and the C40 Recharge is an impressive first step. It keeps with the familiar Volvo quality and safety, yet is eco-friendly in more ways than one. A good family SUV, which can handle the basics of city life, but is also prepared for the big roads when required.

The Volvo C40 will look good on any driveway. And if it sounds like your ideal car, contact Rivervale Leasing today and we can discuss your lease. Give us a call on 01273433480 to discuss car leasing. Alternatively, you can request a callback for a time that is convenient for you!