Which Volvo EV Should You Drive?
Volvo is among the many brands prepared to offer only electric vehicles by 2030. They have a pretty good start with a pair of electric Volvo models that give us the EV driving we desire. These two models that share Recharge as part of their name offer the Volvo reputation for safety and quality while using the same platform.
Do the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge share a platform?
Yes, these two Volvo EV models share a platform. These two models also share this platform with the Polestar 2. These three not only have an amazing electric platform but they also share a propulsion system and a battery pack. Will these electric Volvos fight with each other for EV sales? Maybe not.
The same platform but different personalities for the Volvo EV lineup
The shape of these two electric vehicles is vastly different. The C40 offers a coupe-like roofline that slopes down in the back, while the XC40 appears to be a more traditional SUV. The shape isn’t the only place you’ll find differences.
The XC40 Recharge appears to be much the same as the gas-powered crossover that wears the same name. The biggest differences are the electric powertrain and a flat slab for the grille. You’ll also see the charge port on the driver’s side rear fender, located in the same position as in the C40 Recharge.
Turning to the 20220 Volvo C40 Recharge, you see an EV that is the first dedicated electric SUV from this brand. There isn’t a gasoline counterpart for the C40, which makes a difference. The lighting is different from the XC40 version to give you an impressive style with attractive lights running up the edges of the liftgate.
Which Volvo Rides Higher? The XC40 Recharge or C40 Recharge
The Volvo C40 Recharge rides 2.5 inches lower than the XC40 Recharge model. This height difference results in a change in the driving range. The C40 model offers 226 miles of driving range, while the XC40 delivers 223 miles with a full charge.
A strange item in the Volvo EV lineup
While both of these Volvo electric SUVs have a 78-kWh battery pack and a pair of motors, they don’t require a transmission tunnel. Even though it’s not required, both of these Volvos have this item. You’ll have 402 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque with these AWD SUVs, but the transmission tunnel infringes upon the cabin room and it’s something we don’t see in many EVs in the market today.
The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge has more interior room than the C40 Recharge
The sacrifice of interior space is the result of the sloping roofline found in the C40 model. This Volvo has a raked rear area that cuts the rear headroom by more than two inches compared to the XC40. The Car Connection tells us the XC40 Recharge has 57.5 cubic feet of cargo room with folded rear seats, but the C40 Recharge only gives you 48.7 cubic feet of cargo room.
You’ll find a different roof in each Volvo EV
When you look up in the C40, you find a fixed glass roof to give you an airy feeling to make up for some of the loss of cargo room. The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge has a panoramic sunroof. This feature is the same as what’s in the gasoline variant of the XC40.
How much does each Volvo EV cost?
Kelley Blue Book tells us the price range for the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge starts at $58,750 while the XC40 Recharge begins at $55,300.
Which of these Volvo SUVs should you drive?
Both the Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge are compact luxury crossover SUVs with basically the same equipment and build. The differences you find will steer your decision. If you want a dedicated EV with a coupe-like roof and lower stance, the C40 is the vehicle you want. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more traditional Volvo EV, the XC40 version is what you’ll want to drive.
