We've said many times before that automobility's future is electric. Experts at Autotrader recognize the industry's acceleration toward that future and, thus, endeavor to help consumers and first-time EV shoppers make the transition to greener daily drives by identifying the best options on the market. This year, Autotrader selected two Volvo models for its list of ten Best Electric Cars for 2021: the pure electric XC40 Recharge and the plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge.
Below, we'll provide a quick overview of these two vehicles and what makes them great options for Silver Spring and Hyattsville drivers looking to enter the world of electric vehicles.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
"This Volvo has the safety ratings and features you’d expect from the brand, plus high-quality interior materials and head-turning style. The electric range of 200 miles makes it a practical commuter for many drivers." -Autotrader
Practical range, advanced safety features, and roomy and refined accommodations make the Volvo XC40 Recharge an excellent choice for drivers seeking an emissions-free solution to their morning commute. Its 75-kW lithium-ion battery pack can be fully charged overnight, needing just eight hours with a 3-phase 11-kW wallbox charger. And with a D/C fast charger, as found at highway rest stops, charging from five to 80 percent takes only 40 minutes, adding 50-60 miles of range per ten minutes.
Additionally, the XC40 is also exciting to drive. Electric motors on each axle combine to deliver an AWD 402 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, enough to sprint from zero to 60 mph in under 4.7 seconds.
Beyond its performance, the XC40 Recharge also provides ample versatility, with 25 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and up to 57.5 cubes with second-row folded down. There's even a compartment under the front hood, perfect for storing the charging cable. And like all Volvo models, the XC40 Recharge comes generously equipped with standard features, including a full suite of IntelliSafe driver-assistance technologies like:
- Volvo City Safety (forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking)
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™ )
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Road Sign Information
- Automatic high beams
- Steering-adaptive LED headlights
Volvo XC60 Recharge
"It benefits from a 57 combined MPGe rating, up to 19 miles of all-electric range, and electric all-wheel drive adding to the SUV’s practicality. It also delivers pretty muscular performance, making this crossover both fun and efficient in one stylish and safe package." -Autotrader
If you're not ready to go the fully electric route but still want something more efficient with some electric range, the Volvo XC60 recharge is an excellent choice. It's spacious and upscale, with a wealth of standard amenities and tech. It also offers plenty of headroom and legroom throughout the cabin, with 30 cubic feet to spare for your groceries or luggage. And with the rear seats folded, available cargo capacity expands to 64.4 cubic feet.
Under the hood, the XC60 Recharge finds immense motivation in its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which pairs a turbo- and supercharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to deliver 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Its 11.6 kWh battery gives the XC60 an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 19 miles, ideal for a quiet and emissions-free morning commute.
Test-drive the Volvo XC40 and XC60 Recharge near Washington DC
For more information about the latest Volvo Recharge pure electric and Recharge plug-in hybrid models and their available configurations and financing offers, reach out to Volvo Cars of Bethesda at your convenience. And if you'd like to experience the Recharge difference for yourself, we encourage you to schedule an in-person or at-home test drive via Ourisman to Go. We'd love to show you around.