In a nutshell - Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
- The first of five electric Volvo cars to be launched in the next five years.
- Capable of more than 249 miles on a single charge, versus average UK daily drive distance of 30 miles.
- Fast-charging potential: 80% of capacity in 40 minutes.
- No internal combustion engine means extra storage space
- One of the safest cars on the road.
- XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 available from £53,155
- UK deliveries anticipated from early 2021.
SAY hello to the first ever all-electric car from Volvo - the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8.
And with the Swedish firm boasting that its one of the safest cars on the road, you just know youre in good hands.
Volvo is, of course, no stranger to both mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid engineering.
The much-loved and well-reviewed XC40, first introduced in 2017, was electrified last year, in the guise of a front-wheel-drive T5 Twin, combining a 178 hp petrol engine with a 73 hp electric motor.
The Recharge Pure Electric, however, takes things up one hell of a notch.
Twin electric motors producing 408hp are married to an all-wheel-drive system, which delivers enough power to catapult the Recharge from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds.
That performance shouldnt come as a surprise.
After all, Volvo is part-owner of Polestar, the new electrified vehicle manufacturer on the block, and the upcoming Polestar 2 boasts similarly-rapid acceleration figures.
Its not just being quick off the mark that concerns Volvo, either - range is key.
The Recharge is capable of travelling more than 249 miles on a single charge, and can be filled to 80% of its battery capacity in as little as 40 minutes using a fast charger.
Being an electric car, it will deliver significant savings to owners in running costs, as well as tax benefits.
Like the Polestar 2, the Recharge will also benefit from a brand-new infotainment system powered entirely by Google Android and which promises to be the most user-friendly on the market.
And, as you might expect from Volvo, safety is also paramount.
A spokesperson explains: Volvo Cars safety engineers have totally redeveloped the frontal crash structure, while introducing a new and unique safety structure for the passengers and battery helping to keep occupants as safe as they are in any other Volvo.
The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is also the first Volvo to feature a new version of Pilot Assist, the driver-assistance technology that deploys steering, acceleration and braking support to help take the strain during long motorway journeys and sitting in traffic. The system now uses Google Maps for information such as speed limits and curves in the road to improve its functionality.
Theres also a new Emergency Stop Assist function, meaning that if the driver is not holding the steering wheel while Pilot Assist is activated, the driver will be warned in different stages until the vehicle is brought to a safe stop.
No surprise, then, that Volvo sees this car as something of a milestone.
Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UKs Managing Director, said: For Volvo Cars, the future is electric.
The battery-powered XC40 spearheads our ambitious sustainability strategy, while bringing the huge benefits of electric driving and more to an already award-winning package.
Initially offered in R-Design specification, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is available from £53,155, with UK deliveries expected to start in early 2021.
