As more auto manufacturers commit to electrifying their new vehicle lineups, it seems that the switch to electric vehicles is inevitable. Volvo aims to have 50% all-electric vehicle lineup by 2025 and be 100% climate-neutral in production by 2040. New Volvo Recharge vehicles are your plug-in hybrid or all-electric Volvos. The new 2022 Volvo XC40 is also available in a stylistically identical all-electric version, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. As drivers navigate the choice between convenient gas or climate-friendly electric, Volvo offers excellent options for either.
New Volvo XC40 vs. XC40 Recharge: Efficiency
While it is hard to compare a gas-powered vehicle to an all-electric vehicle in terms of being environmentally friendly - the EV is the clear winner - we can compare them in terms of efficiency and convenience. The new 2022 Volvo XC40 gets up to 26 MPG* compared to the new 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge’s 85 MPGe*. The 2022 Volvo XC40 currently has a 223-mile EV range**.
It seems that the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is taking the lead in MPG, however, MPG/MPGe does not take into account the amount of time it takes to charge the battery, 37 minutes to go from 10% to 80% in the 2022 XC40 Recharge***, nor the lack of convenient EV charging stations nationwide.
New Volvo XC40 vs. XC40 Recharge: Convenience
Where the Volvo XC40 can get filled up at countless gas stations at easy-to-find locations in a matter of minutes, the new XC40 Recharge must make it to scattershot EV stations that face little competition on price. Luckily, here in California, we are leading the way with the number and placement of EV charging stations, making it much more convenient to recharge. But if you live outside of California or take long trips often, it can be challenging to make EV driving work.
In addition to offering more updated infotainment tech, the new Volvo XC40 Recharge will never need an oil change, smog test, belts & hoses replaced, and will likely never need its brake pads replaced. You save money (and time) on serving your Volvo while also producing zero emissions.
New Volvo XC40 vs. XC40 Recharge: Performance
Since battery electric vehicles (BEVs) carry their weight lower and weigh more, Volvo engineers have taken advantage of this to improve handling and provide a confident drive feel. Plus, the instant torque that comes with an electric engine simply cannot be beat in your average crossover SUV. Once you feel that exhilarating acceleration in the new XC40 Recharge, it’s hard to go back.
The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric boasts 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 2022 Volvo XC40 with just 187 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel-drive also comes standard on the Volvo XC40 Recharge, which is an upgrade in the standard Volvo XC40.
New Volvo XC40 vs. XC40 Recharge: Features
In terms of features, both new Volvo XC40 SUVs are similarly equipped. New Volvos are known for their premium features, sleek design, and advanced driver-assist and safety features. Common standard features in the 2022 XC40 and 2022 XC40 Recharge include:
- Keyless entry
- Heated front seats
- 12-inch driver display
- High-performance audio system
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power driver’s seat with memory
- Available Harmon Kardon premium audio
- Park Assist, rear
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Lane Keeping Assist and Departure Warning
- Available Volvo Pilot Assist
However, the new 2022 Volvo XC40 offers more premium standard features, including:
- Front trunk
- Power liftgate
- Standard AWD
- Wireless charger
- Power moonroof
- One-pedal driving
- Active noise reduction
- Multi-zone climate control
- Google Built-In: Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play
New Volvo XC40 vs. XC40 Recharge: Road Trips
MotorTrend took the two new Volvo XC40 SUVs on a 400-mile road trip to see how gas compares to electric in terms of cost, time and convenience. The Volvo XC40 Recharge required three charging stops for a total of about $68. The standard Volvo XC40 only required one refueling but cost about $74. The driver also ended up making three stops anyway, to eat and use the restroom.
While the Volvo EV cost slightly less to recharge, the gas-powered Volvo took less time to refuel, saving about an hour. If you are someone who can go hours without a break, a gas car may be better for your road trips. For the rest of us, those required rest stops can double as an opportunity to recharge the BEV.
A standard gas-powered vehicle may feel more familiar and come with the confidence of knowing you can refuel nearly anywhere. As we become more and more aware of climate change, driving an electric vehicle that does not pollute becomes more and more important. As America invests more in a nationwide network of convenient EV recharging stations, it will be harder to argue for gas vehicles, especially when considering that new EVs are just as high-performance, and in some cases, more powerful than their gas-guzzling counterparts.
While the new 2022 Volvo XC40 costs significantly less upfront than the new 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, the Volvo EV is eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax rebates and will cost less in the long run, saving you money on gas and maintenance services.
However, if you do not live or drive near EV stations, Volvo offers a few gas-powered models, as well as Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrid models, which give you the best of both: the convenience of gas refueling with the added efficiency and savings of an all-electric driving mode.
Explore the new 2022 Volvo XC40 and new 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric at Volvo Walnut Creek in Walnut Creek, California. Our friendly Volvo experts will help you measure the benefits of gas vs. electric to help you determine which new Volvo XC40 is best for your driving needs.
Serving the East Bay Area, Volvo Walnut Creek offers expert advice, a large selection of new Volvos and certified pre-owned Volvos, plus quality used cars. And when it comes time for your next Volvo service, trust the experienced Volvo technicians at the Volvo Cars Walnut Creek Service Center in Walnut Creek, California.
*Volvo XC40: 23 city/ 32 hwy/ 26 combined mpg rating. Volvo XC40 Recharge: 92 city/ 79 hwy/ 85 combined MPGe.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is an electric vehicle. Since electricity is not measured in gallons, a conversion factor is used to translate the fuel economy into miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe). Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle battery-package/condition, and other factors. For more information, including information on MPGe, see www.fueleconomy.gov
**The figures are based on WLTP data obtained under specific testing conditions. The real-life driving range and energy consumption achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behaviour and other external factors.
***Fast charging DC up to 150 kW under optimal charging conditions for XC40 Recharge Twin. Charging times are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.
Categories:
New Inventory