Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Single in the test: is the mono engine enough?

Created: 11/23/2022, 9:30 am

By: Marcus Efler

With the single-engine electric SUV, Volvo is pushing the basic version of its XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.

This is how he does it in everyday life.

Sweden energized: In 2017, Volvo was the first classic car manufacturer to announce that it would only offer electrified cars in the future.

What went down a bit back then was the fact that, as is usual with most brands, it also included hybrid models.

Since then, everything that has a plug, i.e. plug-in cars as well as full-electric vehicles, has had the suffix “Recharge” in its name.

Now that the enthusiasm for plug-in hybrids is cooling off noticeably, the Swedes based in the Chinese Geely Group are increasingly relying on pure battery vehicles (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle).

In order to distinguish these from the part-time electric vehicles, the model designation is extended by the addition "Pure Electric".

In order to then also mention the performance equipment, the number of units is also attached.

This leads to names that feel longer than the car itself: Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Single Motor is the name of the basic model of the compact electric SUV.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Single in the test: is the mono engine enough?

Available with one or two engines: The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.

©Volvo

In contrast to the all-wheel drive twin-motor model with twice 204 hp, this variant offers 231 hp on the front axle - but at 48,650 euros it is also a whopping 7,500 euros cheaper.

And, despite a slightly smaller battery (67 usable kW instead of 75), it should be the much more interesting alternative for most buyers.

Because in terms of driving performance, the single engine is more than sufficient.

The 4.43 meter long SUV sprints away at traffic lights and the freeway entrance as vehemently as the driver of an electric car would expect.

The official figure of 7.4 seconds (compared to 4.9 seconds for the all-wheel drive vehicle) conveys the spontaneous start that this XC40 just puts down to a city speed of 50.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Single in the test: Tempo 160 are enough

At the rear, the Volvo XC40 shows the brand-typical LED lights.

©Volvo

The top speed of 160 km/h is also absolutely appropriate for an SUV (like Renault, Volvo limits its cars to a maximum of 180 km/h anyway).

Especially since the battery empties quickly at this speed.

According to the paper form, it is enough for a good 400 kilometers on a normal journey, and almost 600 in town. To put it bluntly, you can forget these values ​​at once: With the usual everyday mix of city and overland routes, you have to go to a column after a good 350 kilometers .

In terms of range, the XC40 single motor hardly differs from the heavier twin version with the slightly larger battery - which ultimately also has to feed two motors.

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However, the interior heating consumes the right range in winter temperatures.

When switched on, the display drops by 40 kilometers, it is more advisable to use seat and steering wheel heating.

The Volvo then quickly regains its strength at the quick-charging station: half an hour is enough from almost zero to 80 percent.

However, the test car only drew a feeble four kilowatts from AC columns, although it should actually be eleven.

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Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Single in the test: cable disappears under the front hood

Otherwise, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Single Motor offers the well-known values ​​after a manageable facelift: it is comfortable to drive, sometimes sporty if necessary, the interior is homely.

However, the model developed together with Geely does not offer the lavish feeling of space that is usually associated with the Swedish brand - and also with electric cars - the driver's footwell seems a bit cramped.

For the small family and the one-dog marriage, the space is easily enough.

Since the charging cable disappears in the front of the frunk, the trunk is fully usable.

The infotainment system controls Android.

©Volvo

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Numerous assistance systems secure the journey and protect pedestrians, which is typical for Volvo.

Navi, audio and communication run via Android Automotive, which is deeply integrated: Google Maps on the middle touchscreen shows quite reliably what battery level can be expected after reaching the destination and whether it will still be enough for the return trip.

Important: An iPhone can now also be networked with the competitor's system via Apple CarPlay.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Single in the test: There is an alternative for dynamic drivers

Overall, this front-wheel drive electric SUV is a coherent offer.

Only those who often drive on snow-covered roads need to reach for the four-wheel drive – or who expect full grip on wet roads.

Because 330 electric Newton meters on the front axle (in the twin-motor XC40 there is also the rear axle) overwhelm the control systems a bit when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed.

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But for those who are more dynamic on the road and don't have to consider the stomach nerves of a family traveling with them, Volvo has a more suitable model on offer with the technically identical but coupé-like C40 Pure Electric.