Driving an all-electric car is not the same as driving a normal car; you have to prepare yourself mentally because an all-electric car doesn’t respond in the same manner as a petrol car. Now the Volvo C40 is even more different than any other electric car I have driven. The first thing I noticed is that it doesn’t have a start or stop button. You can imagine my confusion while looking for this start/stop button for a minute or so. Then it hit me that the car had been on all along. Another thing is that when an electric car is on, it doesn’t make any noise either, so it’s difficult to know if the car is on or not.
After you get over the fact that the C40 makes a faint noise when it turns on, you realise that there is more to the Volvo C40. You will notice the panoramic roof that brings so much sunshine into the car, which is refreshing. You have enough boot space with about 444 litres and 31 litres at the front. The C40 Recharge is the very first Volvo to be designed as pure electric only. In Twin Motor form, the sleek newcomer features an electric motor on each axle, endowing it with all-wheel drive. Peak power and maximum torque come in at 300 kW and 660 Nm, respectively. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes just 4.7 seconds in the C40 Recharge. The 78 kWh (nominal) lithium-ion battery pack offers a single-charge range of up to 444 km on the WLTP cycle. Charging from 10-80% at a public DC fast charging station (150 kW) typically takes 37 minutes. The C40 Recharge Twin Motor is offered exclusively in high-specification Ultimate guise
Standard feature highlights include a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, wireless smartphone charging, heated seats (front and rear), and a 360-degree camera system. The Android-powered 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system boasts built-in Google apps and services, including the voice-activated Google Assistant.
The vehicle is capable of receiving over-the-air updates, allowing it to stay up-to-date without the need for frequent dealership visits. A built-in range optimiser allows drivers to squeeze the most out of each charge. A Volvo wall box charger is included with the purchase of the vehicle, along with a 7-metre auxiliary charging cable. A five-year maintenance plan and warranty (with the battery pack covered for eight years or 160,000 km) is also part of the Volvo Care package. The C40 Recharge is the first Volvo to come with a completely leather-free interior, instead offering a range of high-quality sustainable upholstery.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Volvo C40. It’s a beautifully designed car that females at the office responded positively to. It has a decent range of 444 km when fully charged, which can get you to Limpopo if you drive well. Pricing starts at R1 285 000, with exceptionally generous equipment levels and very few options to select from.