Charging

1. How far can I drive with an electric car?
2. How can I charge my electric car if I live in an apartment?
3. How can I find charging stations for electric cars?

What do you want to know about Volvo Recharge?

Why has Volvo Cars decided to move to electric powertrains?

We have been innovating in the field of electric powertrains since the 1970s. For us this is a natural progression in terms of technology and a clear statement of our commitment towards sustainable mobility and the reduction of emissions. Our ambition is to reduce our carbon footprint by 40% per car by 2025 compared to 2018. And to be climate neutral by 2040.

What are the main benefits of an electrified powertrain over a conventional combustion engine?

Electrified powertrains offer a range of benefits – from reducing emissions during driving and likely lower operating costs, to delivering a more refined drive and responsive acceleration feel on take-off.

What is the difference between a mild hybrid, a full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?

A mild hybrid, which can’t be charged via a cable, uses the electric motor to assist the combustion engine. A full hybrid has a larger electric motor and battery than a mild hybrid. A full hybrid can power the car using the electric motor for short distances and recharges its battery using the engine or through regenerative braking. A plug-in hybrid can be recharged by literally plugging it into a home charging station or using a public charging station. A plug-in hybrid offers a greater pure electric range thanks to a larger battery pack and electric motor. A plug-in hybrid will meet the daily commuting needs of many people.

Which Volvo models are available as a Recharge plug-in hybrid car?

As from 2019, all our models are available with Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain technology.

How safe is an electric car?

All battery electric cars undergo the same tests as petrol or diesel cars. In Europe, Euro NCAP has long been the benchmark for car safety. Test have also become even tougher with new demands on, among other things, auto brakes. At Volvo, all cars in the entire model range have received the highest marks in their respective tests. And with the advanced safety technology of the XC40 Recharge pure electric, we introduce one of the world’s safest electric cars.

What do you want to know about pure electric cars?

What charging times can I expect when recharging an electric car at home?

The charging time depends on the charging equipment you use and the electric installation at your home. The standard home charging cable with a household connector is primarily an auxiliary cable. Charging an empty battery to 100 per cent with this cable takes approximately 40–72 hours depending on market, at a charge rate of about 4 to 8 miles range per hour.

For regular and considerably shorter charging times at home, we recommend a single phase 7.4kw wallbox. This installation can give you approximately 7-8 hours charging time (from empty to 100 per cent), or around 31 to 37 miles range per hour.

Please note: Charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.

How much does it cost to charge the battery of a pure electric car?

The cost for electricity varies depending on local conditions, but the cost can be lower compared to petrol or diesel. The lowered fuel cost is also one of several reasons to switch to an electric car. And for even lower costs, you can pre-set your pure electric Volvo car to charge at the times when the tariffs are the lowest, often at night.

What warranty does Volvo Cars have on the battery?

The Volvo Cars Warranty for the battery is 8 years or 160,000km, whichever occurs first, provided that the car and battery are maintained and used in accordance with Volvo Cars’ recommendations.

Can the battery be replaced?

If the battery or a battery module needs to be replaced, this can be done just like any other technical part of the car.

What equipment do I need to charge my pure electric car easily and safely at home?

The standard-fitted home charging cable is primarily designed as an auxiliary cable for household applications. For considerably faster and more convenient charging at home, we recommend installing a 3-phase 11 kW wallbox.

Please note: the availability of charging equipment may vary depending on market.

Which is the fastest way to charge my pure electric car on long journeys?

You will find the fastest charging at a DC fast-charging station along the route. To charge as fast as possible, we recommend you to limit the car's charging level to 80 per cent. This helps keep your charging times short because the last 20 per cent of charging takes the longest time.

How does the car help me to find the nearest charging station?

In countries where Google Maps includes charging stations, you can find public charging stations direct from the map in the car’s centre display or via a smartphone app. From here you can also select preferred charging stations and get guidance.

How does the battery impact safety in a collision?

The battery means there is 500 kg of extra weight that needs to be addressed in an impact – for the car’s occupants as well as for other vehicles. The battery also needs separate protection to avoid harmful leakage after a collision. By utilising a range of innovative safety solutions, Volvo Cars’ safety engineers have designed our pure electric cars to meet all these challenges.

How much maintenance and service is needed for a pure electric Volvo car?

The electric motors are sealed for life and maintenance-free. So compared to a combustion engine-propelled car, the pure electric Volvo cars needs much less maintenance which may result in lower running costs.

Is the lifecycle carbon footprint of a full electric Volvo car less than an equivalent internal combustion engine vehicle?

Over the average lifetime of a vehicle, the carbon footprint of a fully electric vehicle (BEV) is less than a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle (ICE). However, the distance needed to be driven for a BEV to become less carbon intensive than an ICE vehicle is largely dependent on how the electricity that power the vehicle is generated. If you charge your BEV with renewable electricity, you will need to drive less for that point to be reached, compared with if you use electricity generated from fossil fuels. Where possible, we encourage you to power your electric vehicle with electricity from renewable sources.

We are committed to full transparency when it comes to the full carbon impact of our electric vehicles. A lifecycle analysis (LCA) of the XC40 Recharge is already available and the lifecycle analysis of the C40 Recharge will be available later in 2021.

How can I know that the car’s battery has been produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way?

Volvo Cars is committed to full traceability, helping to ensure that our customers can drive electrified Volvos knowing the raw material for the batteries has been sourced responsibly. The introduction of blockchain technology significantly boosts traceability within our cobalt supply chain. Blockchain, in conjunction with inspection on mine sites, GPS tracking, entry and exit scanning, verified logistics providers, facial recognition, ID checks, and time tracking, all contribute to a material’s traceability from a mine to the car factory.

Volvo Cars works closely with our suppliers to increase the sustainability of our products and services, including through securing responsible supply chains and making efficient use of resources. We are committed to the responsible sourcing of minerals and metals, and fully support the OECD Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-affected and High-risk Areas. In this respect, we require our battery suppliers to support our commitment to have full transparency of our cobalt supply chain and to work towards full traceability.

Sustainability performance is a key consideration when assessing and selecting our suppliers. We monitor the performance of existing suppliers and follow up with third party audits. We also put requirements on our battery suppliers to minimise carbon emissions during the production processes, including through the use of renewable energy. All our suppliers have to agree to the Volvo Cars' Code of Conduct for Business Partners, which includes the observation of human rights, including labour rights.

What do you want to know about Volvo plug-in hybrids?

What is a plug-in hybrid car?

A plug-in hybrid car, also known as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), is a car that uses both a conventional petrol engine and a battery-powered electric motor to provide power to the wheels.

What kind of battery is used in the Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrids?

Volvo Cars is currently using Lithium-ion battery packs in its Recharge plug-in hybrid cars.

What is the pure electric range of a plug-in hybrid car?

Our Recharge plug-in hybrids are designed to meet many people’s daily commuting need. Range will of course vary depending upon model, driving style, topography and road conditions. The main benefit of a plug-in hybrid is that you always have the petrol engine as back-up between charges, so range should not be an issue.

How and where do I charge my plug-in hybrid car?

Most people charge their cars at home overnight, with a charging wall box in their carport or garage. Others have the possibility to charge their car at work or at public charging stations, which in many areas are becoming increasingly easier to find.

How long does it take to charge the battery?

Charging times will vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition. You will find specific charging times in the technical specifications for each available plug-in hybrid model.

Which Volvo models are available as a Recharge plug-in hybrid car?

All our models are available with Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain technology.

What charging cables are available for my Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrid car?

Your Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrid comes with a standard charging cable that meets high electrical safety requirements (Mode 2). Available in different variants (6A, 8A or 10A depending on market), this 7 m cable allows up to 1.4–2.3 kW charging via a household socket. For really convenient and faster charging at home we recommend installing our 3-phase wallbox where available. Capable of charging up to 22 kW, this wallbox is also compatible with future generations of electric cars. For convenient and secure charging out of home, there’s also a Mode 3 charging cable 1-phase 16A available as an accessory. This cable is convenient to have on hand when there are no cables at the charging station. For more detailed information, please contact your Volvo car retailer.

Please note: the availability of charging equipment may vary depending on market.

What else do you want to know about charging?

How long does it take to charge the car battery?

Rate of charge depends on the type of charging and the power of that charging type, as well as factors such as ambient temperature, battery temperature, the size and condition of the car’s battery and the capacity of the car’s onboard charging circuit. Generally, a 220V household connection will provide about 7–14km of range per hour, an 11kW AC wallbox or public charging point will provide about 50–60km of range per hour, and a DC fast charging station will provide between 30 and 100km of range per 10 minutes, depending on wattage. This means that charging from zero to 100 per cent with an 11kW AC wallbox will take approximately 8 hours, and charging from zero to 80 per cent at a 150kW DC fast charging station will take approximately 40 minutes.

How long can I drive until I have to recharge the battery?

An electrified range depends on many factors, including ambient temperature, usage of accessories such as climate control, and driving pattern, but a Volvo XC40 Recharge pure electric can offer up to 418km/208 miles of range on a single charge.* Plug-in hybrid cars have less electric range, but offer the flexibility to continue on fuel when charging is not available. *Range is according to WLTP and EPA driving cycles and real-world range may vary. Figures are based on preliminary target. Final vehicle certification pending.

How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?

The cost of electricity varies depending on location, but can often be lower than the cost of fuel to drive the equivalent distance. If you are able to charge at home or at work – especially at night when electricity tariffs can be lower – your cost-per-distance can be even less.

How else can I be environmentally friendly whilst charging at home?

If you’ve chosen a hybrid or electric car for environmental reasons, you can make it an even greener choice by switching your electricity supply to a renewable source (or even installing your own solar panels at home).

What about charging at work?

Other than home, most of us spend more time at work than anywhere else. It’s a great place to charge your hybrid and the government is currently offering a number of incentives for businesses going electric. Speak to your employer to make a change.

Does charging a plug-in hybrid cost less?

A mile in a petrol car can cost anywhere from 12p – 21p. Whereas It can cost as little as 4.2p per electric mile to charge an XC40 T5 Twin Engine*. Charge up your plug-in hybrid every night and you can make daily savings, particularly on short journeys like your morning commute.

*Based on the average cost of electricity per kWh, 14.37p. May vary depending on your electricity rate. **Depending on, amongst other things, driving style, temperature and climate, normal range for electric mode is as above. Specification dependent. ***Rounded up to the nearest decimal.

How should I keep a plug-in hybrid charged up?

Our Twin Engine variants offer the ideal balance of high-performance driving and low emissions. But they can only deliver these if their battery is charged up regularly. Just like plugging in your phone before you go to sleep, charging up your hybrid at night should become a part of your daily routine.