This week we are going fully electric. As we know EVs are the forecast of the future and a great way to minimize humanity’s carbon foot print, while elongate resources. Although until more commercial buildings install an EV charger and more rapid charge points get set up for city use, they can prove challenging. A more time consuming drive for a single person household, living in a condo, with no readily accessible access to such a charger, such as myself.
Although having said that, at least the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge has an up to 478km range on a full tank, with the ability to elongate that charge through regular starting and stopping with the Recharge feature. And if and when it is time to go to the electric pumps it takes 28 minutes at a fast charger to get you up and running in full. This is all thanks to their next generation electric powertrains, designed to increase the capacity of the C40 Recharge, giving you longer range and quicker DC fast charging.
In-line with the futuristic build is the C40’s aesthetic with sleek and angular aerodynamic body frame, paired with thick metallic spokes on the rims. Inside, a minimal approach with very little on the dash and less controls outside of the vertical, touch screen infotainment system. This simplicity is much like the over head lights. A light touch on the shied turns on separate cabin lights, which were surprisingly very bright.
What really sets the interior apart is the stylized use of recycled material to create the reflective, geometric trim running from the doors and across the dash. Shades of grey in segments, resembling a topographic map.
The cabin is not only contemporary looking, but it feels that way as well with the vehicle’s clean air purification system. This “advanced air purifier system prevents up to 80 per cent of hazardous PM 2.5 particles entering the cabin.” Which Volvo states can help you and your passengers enjoy better and healthier air quality, no matter the conditions outside. “You can even monitor particle and pollen levels outside the car.” (As per the website)
However, the EV model has less luxury than what we are use to in a Volvo. Almost barebones comparatively with limited seat customization, no heated wheel or cooling seat function, plus no massage option. There is also no open sunroof, just a full sheet of glass for an unobstructed view of the sky above. But the Harman Kardon surround sound speakers do not falter with their premium quality audio.
As for the way the Volvo C40 Recharge handles, there is no need to turn the vehicle on, with fob in hand you only need to shift into drive. You do this by toggling the right hand switch, located on the side of the steering wheel.
The gas pedal is sensitive and acceleration is quick. You have the power from a 402 HP engine with acceleration in 4.7 seconds. And as soon as you release the gas, the sedan will automatically break, coming to a smooth and full stop in a second. This one pedal system means you don’t have to assert as much pressure to stop. And that the more fluid you get at this, the more you charge it with the Recharge feature.
The Driver Assist is very responsive, giving you the feeling of security and safety behind the wheel. It guides you and moves itself, staying between lines, allowing ample space between you and all the other vehicles on the road.
You can even toggle between the stiffness of the wheel. Do you want to feel like you are moving the car and its weight with an heavy rotation of the wheel, or have an easier go of it with generous spins.
A minor annoyance was with the defogger. When having it defog the windshield, all power gets diverted to that task, meaning the heat blows just on the glass, leaving the rest of the vehicle cold. We would have liked a better distribution of heat, especially given our current winter days.
In short, if you are in the market for a fully electric vehicle, the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge offers modern conveniences, and excellent power economy that does not sacrifice on power or safety.
