A RECHARGE FOR THE RECHARGE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 88

The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is pretty much everything you'd expect a Volvo full-EV model to be and continued to evolve in this 2023-2024-era form. By 2013, the base single motor front-driven version had been replaced by a rear-driven variant with longer range - and the dual motor AWD model got a larger battery, so went further too. The drawback from new was premium pricing but otherwise, a lot of boxes were ticked here. If you're looking for a pre-EX40-era XC40 EV, this '23-plate version's worth stretching to.

Modelsword count: 3

5dr SUV (EV)

Historyword count: 151

Electrification is the biggest change the motor industry has seen in decades. Which for Volvo, made the introduction of its very first full-EV, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, one of the most significant milestones in this Swedish brand's history. It first arrived in Twin Motor form in 2019, gained a more accessible Single Motor variant in 2021 and then in Spring 2023, was fundamentally re-engineered to create the car we're going to look at here. This update saw some really far-reaching changes; a switch from front to rear-wheel drive for the base 'Single Motor' version; and different front and rear e-motors for the 'Twin Motor' version. Plus faster charging times and higher EV driving range figures across the line-up. The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric continued in this form until Spring 2024, when it was re-badged as the 'EX40'. It's the 2023-2024-era XC40 Pure Electric models though, that we look at here.

What You Getword count: 576

The main visual difference marking out this Recharge Pure Electric XC40 model from its combustion counterpart is its blanked-off front grille, which is rarely a great adornment for an EV - and isn't here, despite changes in 2022 which saw this grille plate get a subtle frameless redesign. The bumper got a subtle restyle at the same time, gaining rocket-shaped corner cut-outs. Otherwise, with this Spring 2023 update, things remained as they had been at this model's 2021 launch. There was the usual 'robot-inspired' styling, plus a clamshell bonnet and piercing 'Thor's Hammer' LED headlights, that by this point had been embellished with state-of-the-art pixel LED light technology. You might do better identifying this Volvo's Zero Emissions BEV status at the rear; there's an identifying badge and of course, tail pipes are absent. Like any other XC40, this one rides on the brand's 'Compact Modular Architecture' platform, which is why it rolled down the same Ghent factory production line as its combustion-fuelled range stablemates. At the wheel, you get the usual cool Scandinavian vibe that by 2023 had helped to make this the best selling premium-badged compact SUV of its kind. Which means digital dials, a dose of Swedish minimalism and door bins bigger than any you'll have ever seen (because the door cards don't have to accommodate big audio speakers). The two screens do of course incorporate specific EV features. The 12.3-inch 'Progressive Driver Display' you view through the 3-spoke wheel has a speed meter on the left and a drive meter on the right, the latter showing you whether you're using battery charge or regenerating it. And the 9-inch centre console portrait touch screen can show a location map with marked charging points, along with charging and 'Driving' sections, the latter allowing you to select a 'One Pedal Drive' option that maximises the effect of regenerative braking. For this updated model, this central monitor also showcased Volvo's Android infotainment set-up which includes worldwide navigation to Google Maps, advanced voice recognition by Google Assistant and access to the Google Play Store for a range of in-car apps. The rear of the cabin is exactly as it would be in any other XC40 and headroom remains generous, even though the system battery pack is sitting right below your feet. Even the top model's panoramic glass roof shouldn't compromise head space too much unless you're exceptionally lanky. We're not so keen on the way that the angled style of the rear C-pillar might create something of a claustrophobic feel in the back for younger folk; if you've children, take them along on the test drive to make sure they'll be happy there. The central positioning of that battery pack means that boot space isn't compromised either. The standard powered tailgate rises to reveal 452-litres of it. There are some really nice convenience touches in the cargo area, principally a neat divider, which can rise and divide the space laterally to stop your shopping from sliding around. The hinges of this divider even stand proud of its top edge, giving you hooks from which you can hang shopping bags. Fold the rear bench forward and up to 1,328-litres of total capacity is revealed if you load to the roof. That's only 67-litres less than you'd get in Volvo's larger XC60. Because no engine is needed beneath the clamshell bonnet, Volvo used the space to create a 'frunk', a 31-litre space that's perfect for the two provided charge leads.

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