The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Will Have a Longer Range
Isabel Armiento
· 4 min read
Amidst all the
electric vehicle
hype, Volvo has managed to remain discreet about the release of the newest model in its Recharge lineup
. Between Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and Tesla’s Model Y
, there’s a lot of buzz going around, and you may have missed the recent launch of another major electric SUV—the charmingly demure 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge. This new-and-improved XC40 comes with several new features, and most notably, a longer range than the 2021 model.
The XC40 Recharge largely resembles its gas-powered counterpart, the XC40, and is built on the same SUV frame. According to
Wired
, the vehicle is compact and classy, and it “manages to impress without calling too much attention to itself.” With a starting price of $55,300, the model isn’t cheap—but it will be up to car-buyers to decide whether this understated electric SUV is worth it.
The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge: Not your mother’s SUV
Don’t be fooled by its family friendly looks: the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is fast and powerful, just as suited for pleasure driving as for picking your kids up from school. The SUV boasts 402 horsepower—packing in more power than a Ford Mustang—and a torque of 486 pound-feet.
This vehicle can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds, but also can decelerate smoothly and swiftly. The XC40’s strong braking power is due to the model’s use of regenerative braking: while EVs have large, cumbersome battery packs that make it more difficult to slow down, regenerative braking generates extra power in the act of braking itself.
With a low center of gravity and a tight suspension setup, the XC40 can pull off shockingly sharp turns and can maneuver sticky situations deftly.
Wired recommends the XC40 for drivers who want a high-powered, speedy EV able to navigate tricky conditions—but warns that other car-buyers may be disappointed. “For those looking for an electric SUV with more zip and zoom than is typical of the category, you’re set,” the site says.
“Those wanting the smooth ride of a mid-priced luxury sport utility vehicle, well…give it a good test drive before deciding.”
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The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge requires a lot of….recharging
Like its name suggests, this vehicle needs a lot of, well, recharging. It can go 223 miles between recharges—not bad, necessarily, but certainly much lower than your standard EV model. Automakers such as Tesla and Hyundai ensure that their EVs can drive at least 250 miles between recharging stops.
That being said, the XC40 supports a faster recharge than some other vehicles, partially making up for its lack. At compatible charging stations, this model can charge its DC batteries up to 150 kW.
Moreover, as America slowly becomes
more and more electrified
, charging stations are becoming more accessible, making these recharging metrics less important. So don’t fear: the Volvo XC40’s low range won’t stop all your road trip fantasies from coming true.The 2022 model’s 223-mile range actually represents an upgrade from the older XC40 Recharge model. The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge had a range of only 208 miles per charge.
According to
Car and Driver
, this upgrade is not due to any changes in the battery pack, but rather is due to “a number of small software changes focused on energy management and thermal management.” The 15-mile upgrade will be made available to models of the 2021 XC40 Recharge, who may not be satisfied with their car’s current 203-mile range.
It’s what’s on the inside that counts
Volvo has committed to using Android Automotive for all its infotainment needs. The Google-owned platform powers the XC40’s entire system, including voice assistance, navigation, and app downloads.
Like most Volvo vehicles, the XC40 Recharge is sleek and minimalist, with comfortable seating and plenty of legroom. With 14.6 cubic square feet of cargo space, the backseat is a bit more cramped than that of its competitors, but it remains more than sufficient for a family that tends to travel light.
The front and back of the cargo area can be separated by folding up the floor, and this nifty barrier is equipped with two hooks for hanging items such as purses or grocery bags.
