Road Test: 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin AWD Ultimate

Street Take a look at: 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin AWD Final

The First Volvo Compact SUV Coupe EV

The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge was the first electric-only and the smallest SUV from Volvo, falling in-line with the EX90 and XC40 Recharge. Slotting just under the C40 Recharge would be the simply introduced EX30, compact SUV EV that arrives someday in 2025. Having 4 all-electric SUVs will give loyal Volvo homeowners a large selection of dimension, efficiency and value, but additionally be engaging for these first-timers trying to have a Volvo of their storage.

Energy and Vary

The 2023 C40 Recharge Twin AWD has twin 150 kW electrical motors producing a complete of 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. The shift-by-wire single pace transmission drives all 4 wheels 0-60 miles per hour in about 4.3 seconds. This felt fast and made freeway merging a breeze.

The EPA charges the C40 Recharge Twin AWD at 226 all-electric miles (AER) with an effectivity of 39 kWh per 100 miles. We took supply with 220 AER and after 211 miles of mixture freeway and freeway driving we had 20 miles left on the sprint vary read-out. Within the 310 whole miles we drove by Southern California we averaged 30.6 kWh per 100 miles. One other approach to have a look at the effectivity for this automotive is 3.6 miles per kWh of battery. Each measurements are greatest used to match EVs because the precise miles you’ll get from a kWh of battery varies drastically based mostly on the pace you’re touring, the temperature and the model of driving.

Battery and Charging

The 78 kWh, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is charged by an 11.0 kW onboard charger. These are the estimated instances for the three charging speeds.

• 120V (Stage 1)             22 hours (0-100%)
• 240V (Stage 2)            8 hours (0-100%)
• DC Quick Charging        37 minutes at 150 kW (10-80%)

Chilly climate can have an effect on the charging time and driving vary. The C40 Recharge is obtainable with a warmth pump that warms the inside with out drawing on the battery in addition to a battery conditioner that warms the battery to a temperature that can take a sooner and better cost.

New homeowners of a 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge obtain 250 kWh of complimentary DC quick charging with the Electrify America community.

Out on the Street

When slowing, regenerative braking converts kinetic vitality into electrical vitality and shops it within the battery. The extent of regeneration could be set on the touchscreen as is the One Pedal Driving. This mixture resulted in robust recharging and a enjoyable strategy to drive with restricted touching of the brake pedal.

Having 300 miles behind the wheel allowed us to settle in and get a real really feel for the C40 Recharge. There is no such thing as a begin button, because it turns itself on when getting into the cockpit with the important thing. All you do is press the brake pedal, shift into the specified gear, and off you go. The seats are comfy for lengthy journeys and maintain the motive force tight when cornering. The digital energy steering is agile and has sufficient heft to offer for partaking dealing with of the 4,780-pound SUV.

With easy, easy and even energy, augmented by fast throttle response, the C40 was simple to drive, aided by a 52/48-percent entrance/rear weight distribution. The suspension had MacPherson struts up entrance and a multi-link rear, with each having stabilizer bars. The low heart of gravity with the batteries positioned beneath the ground, helped the C40 Recharge deal with flat round corners. The general trip was comfy, besides on uneven surfaces the place there was a uneven really feel at instances.

The twin electrical motors, one on every axle, drive all 4 wheels which are shod with235/45 Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires mounted on 20-inch V-spoke black diamond-cut alloy wheels. We didn’t push the tires too arduous on tight corners, however their freeway trip was easy, albeit a bit noisy. Stopping was good with the four-wheel discs and anti-lock braking.

Exterior: Acquainted Volvo Really feel

The C40 Recharge has a five-door fastback design, typically referred to as a SUV coupe. The distinction between the C40 Recharge and the XC40 Recharge is the roof on the previous rakes in direction of the rear hatch. There’s a bit much less head room when getting into the rear seats and a bit much less cargo area within the far again. Each are negligible between the 2 fashions, so go along with the one which catches your eye.

The clear design is void of cladding, with the one bright-work to be discovered on the “C40” and “VOLVO” badging. There are not any design gimmicks and nothing radical happening, which is true Volvo DNA. It’s tasteful and sensible with eight exterior colours of Black Stone, Onyx Black, Fusion Purple, Thunder Gray, Silver Daybreak, Sage Inexperienced, Crystal White and Fjord Blue Metallic, which was the colour C40 Recharge we drove.

The energetic bending pixel LED head lights have excessive beam help, with LED lighting design persevering with to the sidelights, flip indicators, and the brake lights. The distinctive form makes an attention-grabbing lighting signature, wrapping from the facility elevate gate to the facet panel and up onto the C pillar. The elevate gate has a small spoiler with two air movement vents coming off the roof that disperse water from the rear window, changing a wiper.

Inside: Scandinavian Clear

The 100% leather-free inside has no animal-derived merchandise in any of the supplies or surfaces. The Microtech artificial upholstery, which is totally recyclable, is lighter, extra sturdy and simpler to wash than leather-based. The entrance passengers get energy changes, together with lumbar and heated seats. The rear outbound passengers additionally get warmth. The rear seat headrests are energy folding as is the rear seat.

Entry to the entrance seats was good, whereas the tallest must duck only a bit moving into the rear seats as a result of fastback roof design. The rear seat comfortably accommodates two adults that sit a bit larger than the entrance occupants to accommodate the batteries positioned underneath the seat.

Behind the rear 60/40 folding seat, the 14.6 cubic ft of cargo area will increase to 48.7 cubic ft when the seats are folded-down. With out an engine up entrance there’s a entrance trunk, or frunk, for stashing small gadgets, such because the charging cable.

The 12.3-inch digital driver show could be configured by buttons on the steering wheel or within the settings by the touchscreen. The huge heart console, with a small underside storage cubby, intersects the sprint on the 9-inch colour touchscreen. This display screen is the place the guts of the C40 recharge lives: the Google Android Automotive working system with navigation, apps and Google Assistant. Please word that is not Android Auto. The motive force can handle operations by utilizing the touchscreen or by voice instructions, which is an efficient factor as aside from the few controls on the steering wheel, there are not any buttons or knobs on the sprint.

The modern Scandinavian design theme thrives within the cockpit. The C40 Recharge Final comes with the 13-speaker, 12-channel, 600-watt Harmon Kardon premium sound system with Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Play and Apple Music. Apple CarPlay isn’t acknowledged. USB-C ports (two entrance and rear), Bluetooth and SiriusXM are included, however AM radio isn’t accessible. Calling out every thing to the Google assistant takes some follow, however labored effectively.

Comfort options embrace a 360-degree digital camera, panoramic fastened glass roof, 2-zone computerized local weather management with a cabin filtration system, rain sensing windshield wipers, alarm, keyless entry, digital key, Homelink, inductive cellphone charging, high-pressure headlight washers, heated steering wheel, adjustable inside illumination and a panoramic glass roof.

Security

The 2023 C40 Recharge has not been security rated by the NHTSA, Nationwide Freeway Site visitors and Security Administration, however has obtained a Top Safety Pick+ security score from the IIHS, the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security.

Volvo has constructed its popularity on security so commonplace and accessible superior driver help programs (ADAS), a few of which are available in packages, embrace, Pilot Assist, entrance, facet, curtain and knee airbags, ABS braking, traction management, entrance and rear parking help, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise management, blind spot warning with steering wheel help, cross site visitors alert, and high and low pace collision mitigation with computerized braking.

Pricing

The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge is available in three trims, with these costs together with the necessary $1,095 vacation spot cost. Converse together with your vendor about any accessible federal or state tax credit that might cut back the worth you pay, and verify together with your state concerning the C40 Recharge qualifying to make use of the HOV lane.

• Core          $56,395
• Plus          $57,945
• Final    $61,195 

Guarantee

• Primary – 4 years/50,000 miles
• Battery – Eight years/100,000 miles
• Roadside Help – 5 years/Limitless miles
• Corrosion Safety – 12 years/Limitless miles
• Scheduled Upkeep – 5 years/62,000 miles

Observations: 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin AWD Final

Volvo has made a dedication by 2030 to solely promote electrical autos, and 10 years later to be a carbon impartial firm. With three EVs at the moment on sale in America—the EX90, XC40 and C40, in 2025 joined by the EX30—Volvo is effectively on the way in which to attaining its environmental objectives.

Consumers will think about the Volvo C40 Recharge with the Kia EV6 GT, Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona EV, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, and the Tesla Model 3. All are worthy opponents, but additionally have an extended driving vary. The 226 miles of all-electric driving vary for the C40 Recharge will work completely effectively for commuters, particularly those that cost at house each evening, and people taking comparatively close-to-home journeys. Venturing out additional, like Clear Fleet Report did just lately on a 1,796-mile road trip, could be a problem.

If the C40 Recharge, in-built Ghent, Belgium, is any indication of what’s to return, Volvo is off to a stable begin with its plans to by no means put one other drop of gasoline in any of its fashions starting in 2030.

Be sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report publication (prime proper of web page) to be notified of all information tales and automobile critiques.

Story and pictures by John Faulkner.

The Competitors:

Street Take a look at: Kia EV6 GT

Street Take a look at: Genesis G60 EV

Street Take a look at: Kia Niro EV

Street Take a look at: Kona EV

Street Take a look at: Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Flash Drive: Tesla Mannequin 3

Disclosure:

Clear Fleet Report is loaned free take a look at autos from automakers to guage, usually for every week at a time. Our highway exams are based mostly on this one-week drive of a brand new automobile. Due to this we don’t tackle points comparable to long-term reliability or whole price of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new autos or expertise. As a part of these occasions we could also be provided free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of autos and information irrespective of those inducements.

Our focus is on autos that provide the very best gasoline financial system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We additionally function these environment friendly gas-powered autos which are among the many prime mpg autos of their class. As well as, we intention to supply critiques and information on superior expertise and the choice gasoline automobile market. We welcome any suggestions from automobile homeowners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for different viewpoints. Please tell us your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.