SINCE its launch in March, the all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric has been endearing the local motoring scene with its combination of stylish compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) looks and zero emissions capability.
Although looking very much like the conventional XC40 SUV, the new XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is a different machine under the sheet metal.
Being an electric vehicle (EV), the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric does not come with a petrol engine, transmission or exhaust pipes, but has a front cargo compartment, or “frunk,” under the hood.
In their place are a large high voltage battery pack and an electric motor each on the front and rear axle to deliver a powerful and silky-smooth whisper quiet driving experience unmatched by its non-electrified siblings.
The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is the country’s first locally assembled EV and is spearheading Volvo Car Malaysia’s plans to accelerate its transformation towards full electric mobility.
The company is aiming to achieve a 75% contribution from its pure electric line-up by 2025, which is in-line with Volvo Cars’ global ambition of becoming a fully electric car company by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2040.
Aside from the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, Volvo Car Malaysia plans to launch a new EV model in Malaysia every year for the next five years.
Aside from assembling EVs for local buyers, the cars are also being shipped to markets within the ASEAN region.
The response for the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric has also been overwhelming, with encouraging sales numbers signalling the beginning of Malaysians adopting electric vehicles and a more sustainable lifestyle.
Highlights of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric include a close-off front grille, LED head and tail-lights, ‘Thor’s hammer’ daytime running lights, and gloss black roof and wing mirrors.
An aluminium decor styling with dark leather/nubuck combination upholstery are used for the interior.
The instrument meter is an electronic screen, while the infotainment system is an Android-powered type that offers Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play Store served up by a 9-inch touchscreen.
Its powerful dual motor system produces a combined output of 408hp (300kW) and 660Nm of torque for an all-wheel drive capability.
The SUV is able to complete the 0-100kph sprint in 4.9 seconds, has a top speed of 180kph and is the quickest EV of its segment.
It has a 400V system and the lithium-ion battery comes with a capacity of 78kWh of which 75kWh is usable to enable a driving range up to 418km* on a single charge.
The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric can be topped up by an 11kW AC charger from 0 to 100% in around seven hours, while a 150kW DC-type will power up from 10% to 80% in 33 minutes.
Its alloy wheels are shod in 19-inch Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres that are specially made for electric vehicles.
Tyre sizes are 235/50R19 for the front wheels and 255/45R19 for the rear.
The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric has also been made safer by an upgraded Advanced Driver Assistance System.
Among its detection devices are a front-looking radar with two rear side radars, one front-looking camera with four 360-degree around view cameras and 12 ultrasonic proximity sensors.
Key smart features include active cruise control, City Safety, blind spot information system, lane keeping aid and cross traffic alert among others.
Also included are airbags, anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control.
Other goodies are a wireless charging pad for smartphones, Harman Kardon sound system, rear air conditioner vents and handsfree rear power tailgate.
Available colours are Black Stone, Crystal White Pearl, Denim Blue, Glacier Silver and Sage Green.
Volvo Car Malaysia will begin taking orders again with the introduction of Model Year 2023, with exciting new updates to be announced soon.
Interested buyers can book for a test drive or make any online orders via www.volvocars.com/my upon the announcement.
The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will be available for closer viewing at the CarSifu Auto Show 2022 at Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur from Oct 5-9 and at The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru from Oct 26-30.
Disclaimers: *Range figures as per Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (“WLTP”) derived from laboratory testing. Real world range can differ from the stated figures. Overseas model shown. Charging equipment sold separately.
