Today, driving a fully electric Volvo is something new. Tomorrow will be normal. The reason? Because the Swedish manufacturer has decided to completely abandon thermal engines starting from 2030. If nine years may seem like a long time, in automotive terms it is practically “tomorrow”. It is important to underline that Volvo has been very clear about its future: from 2030 all cars marketed will be electric. So goodbye also to hybrid or plug-in hybrid models: it will be impossible to find a piston inside a Volvo workshop. This acceleration will be possible thanks to platforms and technologies shared with Geely, a Chinese mega group that also owns Volvo. Returning to the protagonist of our test set in the shadow of the Two Towers and among the curves of the Bolognese hills, specifically we are aboard the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 Awd.
Electric Volvo XC40
The Swedish novelty is powered by two electric motors positioned on the front and rear axles, four-wheel drive, total power of 408 horsepower, 660 Nm of maximum torque, 75 kWh battery pack, 400 km of autonomy and 40 minutes of charging. to go from 0 to 80% using a high power 150 kW DC socket. Aesthetically, the differences are limited to the closed front grille, since there is no heat engine to cool, a couple of dedicated badges and above all the absence of the fuel filler replaced by the charging socket. On the front of the charge capacity we find the front compartment from 31 liters to which are added the 413 liters at the rear (instead of the 460 of the thermal version).
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Test drive Volvo XC40 Recharge
Once on board, avoid looking for the power button. Just press the brake and put the gear in Drive and the car will start moving. In the middle of traffic we use the electric XC40 in One Pedal mode, i.e. when the accelerator pedal is lifted, the car sets the regenerative force to maximum, thus avoiding the use of the brake pedal. Precisely on the regeneration we find the first defect to the Swedish SUV, feeling the lack of the possibility of regulating the power on different levels as for example do the German competitors of the Volkswagen Group. After leaving the traffic we begin to climb towards the Basilica of San Luca, a stretch of road also used for uphill races, and here we are literally surprised by the performance of the XC40 Recharge. The 408 horsepower and above all the 660 Nm of maximum torque are felt all, with the car that literally glues you to the seat. In detail, the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h is covered in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 km / h is reached. Overall, traveling on the first electric Volvo brand is extremely pleasant, even if the generous power available and the weight of 22 quintals put a strain on the set-up when tackling a hilly course full of curves. Of course, the P8 version wants to represent excellence in terms of performance but in the future the P6 version with two-wheel drive and reduced power will also arrive.
Android Automotive platform
A chapter that receives the highest rating is infotainment, thanks to the world premiere debut of the Android Automotive platform. The new operating system replaces the previous Sensus and raises the bar of onboard technology. A new way of understanding on-board connectivity is accessed through the vertically developed 9-inch screen, also in terms of Over The Air updates with the possibility of intervening on parameters such as engine management without having to go to the workshop. As for autonomy, the 400 km seem really achievable by obviously driving wisely. Charging times? 2 hours from 50 kW station in direct current, 8 hours in alternating current with 11 kW wallbox. All at a price of 59750 euros.