Used 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge

Urbanites seeking high-class, zero-emissions personal transport that doesn’t have a whiff of “school run” or “soccer mom” about it should pay serious attention to the Volvo C40 Recharge. It packs a powerful punch along with a distinct visual impact. And comes with a vegan-friendly interior.

This is not just an electric version of another Volvo. It’s an individual model in the company’s portfolio. But it still embodies traditional Volvo values, such as safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) made it a Top Safety Pick+ and it earned a maximum overall score of five stars in crash tests performed by a European agency.

For regular commutes where charging is easy, the C40 Recharge’s maximum range of 226 miles might be perfectly adequate.

Last year’s model was sold online only. This year, buyers can still go to the Volvo retail site and choose things like colors, wheels, and options, but the final pricing and delivery is handled by a dealer.

Sit in, drive off. A sensor recognizes when someone is in the driver’s seat and another detects the key’s presence. So it’s just a question of selecting D (or R), checking the surroundings, and embarking on the journey.

If the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge electric SUV had its way, a lot of trips wouldn’t take long at all. It can sprint from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, as a considerable 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque is applied to the ground through a standard all-wheel-drive system. And the drivetrain tackles inclines like they’re flat roads.

No combustion engine means no induction snort or exhaust noise. Occupants in a C40 Recharge SUV might just catch some wind whisper and a subdued road rumble occasionally.

Most of the time, the ride quality is smooth. But anything bigger than the standard 19-inch alloy wheels means that the correspondingly lower-profile tires can’t absorb all the imperfections of a particularly rough road.

As well as glorious, instantaneous torque, most electric vehicles have the extra party trick of one-pedal driving. When the brake energy regeneration function is at its strongest setting, slowing down and speeding up is performed solely with the accelerator pedal. Even coming to a complete stop doesn’t have to mean touching the brake pedal, unless there’s some urgency required. For a driver new to electric vehicles, this may seem daunting. But it’s surprising how easy it can be and how quickly it becomes part of the driving habit.

The maximum range of 226 miles on a single charge is one of the few downsides, but of particular significance since the C40 Recharge is an all-electric SUV. There are plenty of rivals that can do better, although Volvo has stated that future over-the-air updates may improve matters.

An emphasis on style doesn’t stop the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge electric SUV from having plenty of storage areas and super-comfortable front seats (heated, by the way). Or having a reasonable amount of rear passenger space. Rear legroom is the same as its XC40 counterpart: a generous 36.1 inches.

Rear headroom takes a 1.6-inch hit, at 36.7 inches. And the luggage area of 14.6 cubic feet is smaller by just over a cubic foot. A small stowage space under the hood in front is fine for accommodating the charging cable.

A standard panoramic fixed moonroof keeps things airy, despite the fastback styling, although rear three-quarter vision is hindered by the rear pillars and the small back window. It’s a good thing that blind-spot monitoring is standard across the lineup. It would be an even better thing if Volvo also supplied a shade for the moonroof, although it does have a protective UV coating.

Upholstery at the Core level is made from recycled plastic and fashioned into a simulated leather. It still manages to look and feel classy enough for a luxury SUV. Plus models have a simulated suede. And the Ultimate offers a durable wool fabric. The C40 Recharge doesn’t come with any real leather.

The distinguishing feature of the 2023 C40 Recharge is its sloping roof. Its relationship with the Volvo XC40 Recharge is like that between the BMW X3 and X4 or the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 e-tron Sportback. So Volvo provides the choice between a squarer XC40 or this sleeker C40.

There is no grille, just a panel the same color as the body. Black is the standard color. Other finishes — red, blue, gray, silver and white — are premium paints costing $695.

1. Google/Android infotainment system
Controlled with a 9-inch high-definition touchscreen or through natural voice commands (just say “Hey, Google” to start things off), this system is capable of over-the-air updates and allows users to download apps through the Google Play store. Don’t fret, Apple CarPlay is also standard.

2. Digital driver information display
Standard in every new C40 Recharge, this 12.3-inch display is user-friendly while still adding to the cabin’s tech-rich vibe.

3. Navigation system
Another standard feature, this system uses Google Maps. But it’s also programmed with the needs of electric vehicles in mind. It shows the location of chargers on the route and predicts battery levels at journey’s end.

4. Hands-free liftgate operation
A powered liftgate is standard across the 2023 C40 Recharge small SUV lineup. And it can be opened with the wave of a foot.

5. Pilot Assist
Paired with adaptive cruise control, it adds steering corrections to keep the C40 Recharge in its lane. The driver’s hands must remain on the steering wheel, though. It’s exclusive to the top C40 Recharge Ultimate trim.

6. Harman Kardon audio
Another feature found only in the Ultimate trim, this is an outstanding 13-speaker/600-watt surround-sound system.

One electric motor per axle endows the 2023 C40 Recharge with a form of all-wheel drive as standard. Total output is 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque.

These motors are energized by a lithium-ion battery pack. A DC fast charger can take this battery up to 80-percent capacity in 40 minutes. That works out to about 50 to 60 miles of range for every 10 minutes. Taking it up to 100 percent on a 240-volt home charger requires about eight hours.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculates miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) figures for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Dual permanent magnet synchronous electric motors
402 horsepower
486 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 94/80 MPGe
EPA range: 226 miles