It’s easy to miss the most important thing about the refreshed 2024 XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge.
These models, which I drove last week near Volvo’s headquarters in Gothenburg, make rear-wheel drive mainstay on a Volvo for the first time in decades. However, they don’t look much different from their 2023 equivalents.
Like the Swedes themselves, who may be underrated for their achievements, these models don’t flaunt what’s new or advertise the importance of their accomplishments. But they’ve taken some important steps on the way to scaling electric vehicles for the brand. With just enough cultural context, I managed to suppress a smug grin when engineers pointed out to Green Car Reports in a recent preview that the vehicles haven’t really changed much: new engines, some Minor changes to the battery pack and fixes for the suspension.
2024 Volvo XC40 Single Engine Powertrain Recharge
Translation: it’s a small engineering feat—and perhaps an industry first—given that the front-wheel drive CMA platform on which these models are built is favored. But they don’t have new badges or any other much staggered trim, panels or wheels that other brands will want to use to signal a change. New 19-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, some new colors and some cabin trim differences sum up all the other 2024 differences the feature list will likely offer.
Changes are not about being seen. They are simply to make electric cars more drivable. With the central location of electric vehicles’ large battery packs and their more even weight distribution, combined with advances in traction control and stability, Volvo finds rear-wheel drive overpowered. superior in electric vehicles over front-wheel drive. It has decided and is not waiting for the next big paradigm shift to deliver it.
After driving both the single- and dual-engine versions of these models, I believe most shoppers will find the rear-wheel drive version just right—if not better. It would be my own preference for the dual-engine version.
Volvo C40 2024
Volvo C40 2024
Volvo C40 2024
Range and efficiency of XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge
What makes these product lines all the more meaningful in the first place are the all-important numbers shoppers will consider: driving range is currently estimated by the EPA at 297 miles for the C40 Recharge and 293 miles for the C40 Recharge. for XC40 Recharge. That is for single-engine rear-wheel drive versions. Dual-motor four-wheel drive versions are now available at 257 miles and 254 miles for the two models, respectively—an increase of 31 miles for each model.
That 14% increase in range comes with the 78 kwh (total) battery pack unchanged—though the single-motor versions are close to 300 miles in part thanks to a few more available kWh in the 82 kwh battery pack. their new (78 kwh available, compared to 75 kwh).
As a co-driver, I’ve covered about 160 miles on Swedish roads, split roughly equally between a dual-engine C40 Recharge and a rear-wheel drive XC40 Recharge. We averaged 3.4 mph with the dual-motor drivetrain, then closer to 3.9 mph in the single-engine version. It’s not a bold comparison, though, as the latter part of the route covered in rear-wheel drive includes slower-moving roads and more traffic, which could will improve efficiency. In either case, it turns out that both versions are now capable of returning more than 250 miles on a single charge with driving (though not high speed).
Volvo emphasizes that efficiency and greater range are not due to rear-wheel drive, but rather to its own ability to develop electric propulsion. These refreshed models represent the beginning of that.
Volvo electric motor in C40 and XC40 Recharge
Volvo goes its own way with EV engines
The new 255-horsepower permanent magnet motor (PSM) at the rear—designed and built by Volvo in Sweden and built in Sweden for the United States and Europe—is the highlight of the powertrain. motion. While Volvo has used two identical permanent magnet motors from one supplier in upcoming versions of these cars in 2023, it has now switched to asynchronous motors. (induction) 147 hp front-wheel drive in dual-motor models. Volvo also switched to its own hardware and software control for the propulsion system, whether single- or dual-engine.
The single-engine models make 248 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and overall, the dual-engine versions make a combined 402 hp (same as the 2023 model) but produce 494 lb-ft of torque higher than its predecessor’s 487. lb-ft. Since induction motors do not require charging for vertical rotation only, the configuration allows dual-motor models to run as rear-wheel drive vehicles most of the time, using the front unit only when necessary for operating at full performance or front-wheel traction.
The choice of engine could save Volvo a significant amount of money as it expands its electric vehicle scale and moves towards an all-electric product line by 2030. PSM engines are available from suppliers with availability. can be very expensive and when an engine is not very efficient, it is a double loss.
Volvo C40 2024
In terms of acceleration, the new model doesn’t feel much different. Volvo claims the same 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds in the dual-engine form, while the single-engine versions clock in at 6.9 seconds. Both engines are still fairly well-equipped, at 8.57:1, so there’s some emphasis on high-speed overtaking over pure off-road power. Simply put, you won’t miss the extra punch of the dual motor if you’re not driving it.
Volvo Recharge battery pack details
The 82 kwh pack looks almost identical to the 78 kwh pack on the outside, but the inside is different. The 78 kWh pack uses 27 modules, each with four groups of three LG bag cells connected in parallel. In the 82 kwh package, each module has only four much larger CATL prismatic cells, with a total number of cells one third of the total number of cells for the package. All told, the CATL cells also offer a slight increase in power density, while their cooling is a bit simpler, according to Klas Olsson, the battery systems design manager of the batteries. this sample, who summed up the new package as “different but not too different”. .”
Volvo has suggested that all versions will eventually get the 82 kWh package, but it says that for at least the first full year the dual-engine versions will retain the 78 kWh pack due to production capacity.
Volvo battery pack and chassis – C40 and XC40 Recharge
Due to the difference in battery packs, the single-motor versions will charge slightly faster. They go from 10-80% in just 28 minutes and reach a maximum power of 200 kW, while the dual-motor versions do it in 34 minutes and reach a maximum power of 150 kW.
Volvo really wanted journalists at the test drive to enjoy the single-pedal driving mode and firm steering settings, but I prefer the experience with both turned off. The steering just feels more stable in its more enhanced form, though regenerative braking should be a better experience for everyone on average.
Volvo XC40 2024
Volvo XC40 2024
Volvo XC40 2024
Driving and handling the XC40 and C40
The rear-wheel drive layout and other updates keep these 2024 models on the road with a little more flair. Changing the rear engine required a new rear subframe, giving the engineers a chance to re-adjust the suspension. Older versions of these Recharge models can feel jittery, but it’s now been turned a bit more luxurious without sacrificing sportiness—and a single-engine version that drives and handles compactly. a little neater. In a route that took us through a series of twists and turns, mostly at 30-55 mph, the new models were both a little more comfortable and more natural in fast-forwarding and less jittery. Smaller dynamics and rougher surfaces enter the cabin. As before, they are very tight from wind noise.
Volvo C40 2024
Volvo C40 2024
Volvo C40 2024
Initially, the cabin impresses when underrated, but it impresses in texture, detail as well as the comfort and support of the seats. Volvo got it right from the start, so the good news is that nothing much has changed. As in most other recent Volvo models, it’s also easy to find a comfortable driving position (and rear seat comfort) for a variety of body sizes and heights. Although the center console layout reduces space a bit compared to competitors, at 6 feet 6, I found it easy and comfortable to get in and out of both the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge. However, the coupe-like C40 doesn’t offer nearly as much cargo flexibility, and its design doesn’t charm from all angles in the same way.
Pricing is yet to come as these models will launch later in the year. XC40 Recharge 2023 models start at $54,645 and $56,395 respectively; look for 2024 single-engine versions to get close to the $50,000 mark.
Volvo C40 2024
With the pending arrival of the grand Electric SUV EX90 early next year, and now a EX30″ small SUV In addition, these refreshed 40-series models show Volvo has its priorities — with wider range, more efficiency and faster charging. And you won’t miss out.
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Volvo has provided travel and accommodation to bring you this live review.
