Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric : A Locally Assembled EV

Volvo Car Malaysia has launched the all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, its first EV for Malaysia. This also makes Volvo the only automotive brand to offer a full range of locally assembled electrified models. Volvo is also exporting electrified models assembled in Shah Alam to other ASEAN markets; currently also the only brand to do so. This is part of its global objective to be a fully electric company by 2030.

However, for Malaysia, there will still be conventional offerings though the company plans to launch 1 EV model every year (we will see 2 this year). According to Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car  Malaysia, the company will eventually have 75% of its local product portfolio made up of Recharge Pure Electric models by 2025. It not only wants to be a carbon neutral company by 2040, it also wants to be the leading premium EV brand in Malaysia.

“Volvo Car Malaysia is ready to implement Volvo’s global plan for a fully electric line-up by 2030, starting with the launch of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric today. The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is just one of our many steps to encourage consumers to adopt electric vehicles for a more sustainable future. By mid-decade, we’re aiming to reduce our overall CO2 lifecycle emissions per car by 40%. This means more than simply reducing tailpipe emissions – electrification is not enough. We must reduce CO2 emissions across our operations and supply chain,” said Charles.

The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform. There are 2 electric motors, one on each axle, to provide 402 hp and 660 Nm of torque. This enables this EV to hit 100 km/h from standstill in 4.9 seconds. Top speed however, is limited to 180 km/h as per Volvo’s global safety intention.

Providing ‘fuel’ to the motors, is a 78 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack which sits in the floor for stability. The official driving range is 418 km on a single charge (WLTP), but we are potentially looking at approximately 390 km in Klang Valley driving. That also depends on your right foot as well as traffic conditions. The battery can take a maximum of 11 kW via AC (alternating current) charging using a Type 2 connector, and fully charge up in about 7.5 hours. DC (direct current) charging is a faster option and will require a different connector. The battery needs just over half an hour to get to 80% SoC (state of charge) from empty, if via DC.

The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric also features Google Services built-in, with Google Assistant voice control to access this compact SUV’s functions. This partnership between Google and Volvo Cars makes for a more hands-on and eyes-on driving. To make full use of this, a data plan would be necessary.

Design-wise, it does not stray from the XC40 we see on the road now save for the lack of a front grille. The absence of an internal combustion engine also allows for the ‘engine’ bay to feature a front trunk (frunk) for additional storage. Another point to note is the staggered tyre sizes i.e. 235/50 R19 in front, and 255/45 R19 at the rear, for better driving stability.

Volvo Car Malaysia has not announced the official retail price yet. You will have to wait until 4 April 2022 for that, subsequent to which you can book this SUV online (or visit a showroom from this date on). You can book a test drive through www.volvocars.com/my or through any Volvo authorised dealer.

The company expects to start vehicle deliveries at the end of April. According to Volvo, it will be a “hassle-free price” i.e. it includes the convenience charging cable, service package, 5-year vehicle warranty, 8-year HV battery warranty and 5-year roadside assistance.

Volvo Car Malaysia however, does not determine the retail price between customers and any authorised Volvo Dealer. The actual drive-away price that a customer pays for the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will be agreed by the customer with the selected Authorised Volvo Dealer and set out in the vehicle sale agreement between the customer and the selected Authorised Volvo Dealer.

If you are wondering about a home (or office) wall charger, the 11 kW Hager charger is available from Volvo Dealers and costs about RM8,000 including installation. Alternatively, you can choose your own preferred wall charger brand, as long as it is compatible.