As Volvo continues to strive towards its electrification goals, the North American launch of the 2022 XC40 Recharge EV gives further credence to their resolve.

It’s powered by a battery with 67-usable kilowatt hours, energizing the standard dual-motor all-wheel drive system to 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. That equates to a swift 4.7 second 0-to-60 time.

But perhaps more exciting is the range. With One Pedal regenerative braking, we were able to get 238 miles out of a full charge through mixed driving conditions. Better than the EPA estimated range of 223 miles-- an increase from last year’s 208 miles. That bump is thanks to some software changes-- said to also be available for 2021 owners. Charging time, by the way, is 37 minutes from 10-to-80 percent with the proper DC fast charger.

Other changes for 2022 are limited; not like that’s a bad thing, as the Recharge is filled with plenty of premium features. Drivers are informed by a 12-inch digital instrument panel, paired with a 9-inch center display. 360-degree monitoring is now standard across all trims.

All occupants are met with a plush and practical design. Volvo brags about the XC40’s smart storage capabilities; hooks for bags, a usable frunk and a capable 57.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Not enough for all five passengers’ luggage, but plenty for your average hauls.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 is a solid Scandinavian sampler of EV potential, and with recent testing of wireless charging systems over in Sweden, the Recharge does indeed have a promising future.

 

Specifications

  • EPA Range: 223 miles
  • MW Range Testing: 238 miles
  • Horsepower: 402
  • Torque: 486 lb-ft