Motoring 62

Volvo suggest that the range could be up to 262 miles. The charging time is academic, it all hinges on what you actually choose to use it for. If you use a very fast charger 150-kilowatt charger then you could charge it to 80% in 32 minutes, the conventional 11 kilowatt in 11 hours, if you plug in to the mains at home then you are talking 24 hours plus to recharge fully from zero.

To drive the vehicle is in itself simplicity, enter the driving seat, there is no need to put a key in the ignition, it is all done electronically, choose drive or reverse whatever you want, a plethora of information comes up on the screen including an incredible overview camera that gives a full view of the car and surroundings and away you go. It really is as easy as that, no gears to worry about, select drive, point it and you are away.

The driving dynamics were of a vehicle that defied its large size, there was no discernible rock and roll-on A and B category roads, it was a comfortable companion. One feature that was startling and needed to really check the handbook to find out how to modify it, was the re-charging under deceleration, take your foot off the accelerator and it was almost like applying the brakes such was the retardation effect that at times I was worried that someone behind me would run in to me, but I shouldn’t have worried because when the vehicle entered in to this mode, it actually put on the brake lights. It reminded me many years ago of when I drove coaches and they had a Telmar electronic braking system that worked on the prop shaft, the Volvo system enabled you, if you are very frugal on the accelerator pedal to put power back in to the battery.

If a pure electric is for you, the xC40 with the Volvo name that is known for safety and security, should be on your shopping list, be prepared to dig deeply, the xC40 Recharge range is available on the road from £45,750.

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