Volvo’s first very own electric car is an offshoot of the compact SUV XC 40, which is so popular in the suburbs of German cities: simply cut the rear at an angle, and the C 40 is done. The loading volume of 412 to 1205 liters hardly suffers, but the rear view does.
Although the X is missing in the model designation, all-wheel drive is still available. And what a car: 204 hp (150 kW) are sent to each axle by an electric motor, making a total of 408 hp with a maximum torque of 660 Newton meters. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just under five seconds, and propulsion is electronically braked at 180 km/h. That’s normal at Volvo anyway, but Mercedes-Benz lets it go at 160 km/h in the case of the EQB.
But you don’t usually drive that fast with electric cars anyway. The energy supply melts too quickly, the Volvo stores 75 kWh in the 500 kilogram batteries, which are housed in the vehicle floor to save space. The high curb weight of 2.2 tons ensures that the C 40 is like a rock on the road. Nevertheless, it can be moved surprisingly quickly and precisely on winding roads, you can also let the (winter) tires whistle with an electric car.
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Volvo C 40 Recharge
Because the suspension is rather tight, a more comfortable pace is indicated. The often praised Volvo interior architecture in the C 40 also makes you feel good, it doesn’t differ much from that of the XC 40, but it is generally absolutely leather-free. With a full battery, ranges of a good 200 kilometers are possible, and the average consumption of 28.6 kWh per 100 kilometers including loss of charge is high. Volvo states 20.9 kWh, which explains the WLTP range of 440 kilometers.
The electric XC 40 was more economical. That may have been due to the time of year. At least direct current with 150 kW can be followed up on the motorway. If the basic price of 60,790 euros is too high, you can wait for the front-wheel drive C 40 with just one engine and 204 hp. It is coming these days and starts at 48,850 euros.