Test Drive: Volvo XC40 Recharge

In my experience of electric cars so far, there has been one unanswered question. If we are to all switch to these cars in the near future, what about those of us who regularly tow? Whether it be a trailer, horse box or caravan, there are not many electric cars out there that have the capability to pull a hefty load. That’s where the Volvo XC40 Recharge comes in.

With a towing capacity of 1,800kg, the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor has serious credentials. Having put this car to the test with our caravan it comes as no surprise that it was crowned Tow Car of the Year in the 1,500kg-1,700kg category at the 2022 Caravan and Motorhome Club competition. With a plentiful 408PS and 660Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels, this car is capable of going from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 112mph. Even when towing a caravan the XC40 Recharge feels brisk; instantly responding to throttle input and pulling up even the steepest inclines with ease.

An average 10%-80% charge takes 37 minutes with a 150kW DC fast charger

In terms of range, the XC40 claims 270 miles on the WLTP cycle. Volvo data suggests that the range halves in cold weather. And it’s worth adding that hitching up a caravan does no favours for the range either. With rapid charging capability an average 10%-80% charge takes 37 minutes with a 150kW DC fast charger, so you can
soon top up.

The interior is of the high quality you’d expect from Volvo, with nothing but premium, soft-touch materials throughout

Styling wise Volvo has kept the Recharge looking like any other XC40, and that’s great to see. If we are to accept electric cars as the norm, then they should look and feel like it too, not space age machines far removed from what we know and love. I love the appearance of the XC40; being nicely proportioned masks its size and bulk. I love the Sage Green paint contrasted with black roof and two-tone alloy wheels.

The interior is of the high quality you’d expect from Volvo, with nothing but premium, soft touch materials throughout. The minimalist approach, with few physical buttons and a 9-inch portrait centre display, keeps the cabin feeling uncluttered. A fully digital 12-inch driver display can easily be tailored to show the information you need.

There are single and twin motor versions in three trim levels: Core, Plus and Ultimate. The cheapest, a Single Motor Core, costs £44,900. The Twin Motor Ultimate is £59,450. That puts it in the same ball park as a Mustang Mach-E AWD, which only offers a measly 1,000kg towing capacity.

NorthernLife July/August 2022