Volvo’s first full-EV is finally here, and no it’s not a wagon, but fittingly an SUV, the 2021 XC40 Recharge. It joins a plug-in gas-electric hybrid version already on sale overseas.

And lest you think this EV crossover is designed to be only a family grocery getter, the XC40 Recharge shares it’s driveline with the slick Polestar 2 hatchback. The Recharge boasts an EPA range of 208-miles, has the equivalent of 402-horsepower, gets to 60 in 4.7-seconds, and will even tow 2,000-lbs. 

John Davis: "To me there are three big differences between this Volvo XC40 Recharge EV and the gas powered XC40 that we tested 2 1/2 years ago. The Recharge is faster. That 0- 60 of under 5 seconds, that’s about a second and half faster. Also the Recharge handles better. No gasoline engine up front, just a centrally located battery pack. So more stable, better balance. And, then there is the noise. You don’t hear the engine as the speeds climb, just a little bit of wind and road noise. So, Fast, stable, serine, and you can fill up at home. That’s the Volvo XC40 Recharge."

Like most EVs, batteries...78–kWhs worth...are mounted low in the chassis; and in the Volvo tradition, are protected by their own safety cage.

An 80% charge can be achieved in as little as 40-minutes, and all-wheel-drive is standard with a single 150-kW motor for each axle. 

With all powertrain elements underneath, it allows the engine compartment to be used for cargo.

Additional small item storage space has been added inside as well; other changes include the extensive use of recycled materials, and a new Android based infotainment system.  

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is available now; pricing starts at around $54,000 before tax incentives.

And we’ll have much more on the XC40 Recharge coming up soon on MotorWeek!