Volvo XC40 and C40: more range thanks to the new engine setup

The innovation applies to all models that have been or will be ordered from 1 December.

 The maximum charging power increases from 150 to 200 kilowatts.

Volvo gives its electric models a new engine layout: in the four-wheel drive models, an asynchronous motor (ASM) replaces the previously used permanent synchronous motor (PSM) on the front axle. On single-motor models, the PSM moves to the rear axle, apparently for production reasons. The PSM has no mechanical clutch, which is why it cannot be disconnected and runs constantly. If the drive in the all-wheel drive models is only via the rear unit when the power demand is low, the front motor will recuperate. Therefore, this is also energised so that it behaves neutrally - this costs extra electricity. The asynchronous motor, on the other hand, does not have these efficiency losses.

This provides more range, with a slight increase in battery capacity. In the C40, the range with all-wheel drive increases from 449 to 507 kilometres according to WLTP, and with a pure rear engine to 533 kilometres. The battery capacity increases by three to 78-kilowatt hours. In future, the XC40 will travel up to 515 kilometres with the large battery. The small battery remains at 67 kilowatt-hours capacity, which corresponds to a range of about 438 kilometres. On the other hand, the engines will be slightly more powerful: with the small battery, they will in future produce 175 kilowatts, and with the large battery 185 kilowatts - in both cases in the single-engine model. The all-wheel-drive model retains 300 kilowatts of system power, but divides it differently: instead of 2×150 kilowatts, there are now 180 kilowatts on the rear axle (PSM) and 120 kilowatts on the front axle (ASM).

 In future, the battery will charge from ten to 80 per cent in 27 minutes. The changes also affect the price: the XC40 will cost at least 47,500 euros with a single engine and standard range, and 5,500 euros more with an extended range. The all-wheel-drive model starts at 59,950 euros but comes with the higher equipment of the "Plus" line.