Volvo brought us out to London for an early look at the road ahead for the brand. Volvo is updating both the XC40 and the fully electric EX40 with new looks and meaningful updates that keep them fresh and relevant in today’s chaotic global EV landscape. Disclaimer: Volvo paid for the author’s travel and accommodations to attend this event. Right out of the gate, the pair get updated looks, with the grille on the XC40 setting it apart from the smooth grille on the EX40, but the most exciting part of the update is what’s happening underneath the floor pan of the vehicle, where Volvo stashed the updated batteries. Even More Fully Electric Range The real surprise for the XC40 in this update is the long-range plug-in hybrid system. This follows a long line of manufacturers who have shifted their strategy for the US market from fully electric vehicles to hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Volvo XC40. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica It’s a clear response to an administration that’s less supportive of electric vehicles and even hybrids. Having said that, it’s not all bad, as a longer-range plug-in hybrid can support two or three days of typical driving with its 78-mile estimated range per charge, as compared to the 35 miles of range in the previous version. That’s a huge upgrade and offers a meaningful improvement in capability for drivers and the vehicle. At the same time, Volvo boosted the power of the electric motor, making it more capable and, importantly, more closely mimicking the driving experience of a fully electric vehicle. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica Volvo would love to see fully electric zero-emission vehicles running around everywhere. We have to take our wins where we can get them, and these long-range plug-in electric vehicles from Volvo really do build a bridge for interested drivers to not only drive electric and experience the benefits of doing so, but let them plug in when it makes sense for their lives, whether it be for convenience or saving money amidst yet another round of global turmoil in the oil market. For those looking to go fully electric, the EX40 is offered in three variants, including a long-range variant with 357 miles / 575 kilometers of fully electric range (WLTP). This is accomplished with a larger 82 kWh (nominal) / 79 kWh (usable) battery. The all new Volvo EX40. Image credit: Kyle Field The larger battery also boosts DC charging power up from 135 kW in the P5 to 205 kW for the P4 Long Range variant of the EX40. The standard 69–70 kWh battery in the EX40 P5 is no slouch either, with a combined cycle range of around 295 miles / 475 kilometers on the WLTP test cycle. Unfortunately, Volvo has opted not to bring the EX40 to the US market. Though, this is largely a self-inflicted injury thanks to the move away from EVs by the current US administration. The same goes for the more affordable EX30 — though, we hope both of these might find an entry point back into the United States in the future. An Edgy New Exterior The front hood features clean lines, with the exception of the scalloped cuts that make their way across the exterior from the front to the rear. They look like a designer sliced into the exterior of the vehicle, almost as if it were still made of clay. EX40 Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica The scalloped cuts run from the front hood back through the sides of the vehicle, tapering off in the new rear end. Compared to its predecessor, they give the vehicle a new sense of edginess. For lighting, Volvo developed all-new “Thor’s Hammer” style matrix LED taillights with 15 distinct sections to allow for optimal tuning of light for whatever driving conditions you may encounter. EX40 Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica “By enhancing the design, technology and safety features of our 40 series cars’, we’ve created the best versions of our 40 series yet,” Akhil Krishnan, interim lead for the 30 and 40 series at Volvo Cars, said. “These already popular models are now set to continue being among our best-selling cars for years to come.” The new front headlights were introduced along with a new set of refreshed LED rear lights that alert any vehicles following of activity. Their striking lines serve to highlight the upgraded tailgate and redesigned rear bumper. Volvo’s Safety Levels Up The new XC40 and EX40 wouldn’t be Volvos without safety as the foundation. Both variants are getting a complete overhaul in the safety department — a completely new set of sensors, including a new front camera and new-to-the-vehicle front- and rear-corner radars. A new computer sits at the core, bolstered by an upgraded suite of new software. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica The new sensors give the vehicle a more accurate view of its surroundings, specifically using the corner radars for improved parking and horizontal visibility. Combined, the new safety hardware enabled Volvo to implement a Door Opening Alert system to protect cyclists and other road users by warning occupants of the vehicle before opening the doors if obstacles are detected. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica Volvo also upgraded its ADAS solution, Pilot Assist, which is optional but now offers lane change assist with refinements that allow it to follow the road more accurately for more safety and comfort on long highway drives. This is something we’re definitely going to have to test ourselves, but it’s great to see Volvo continuing to make safety a priority as it refreshes its vehicle lineup. Overall Volvo plug-in hybrids are an exciting step for the company, with hints at what we might see for the company’s extended-range electric vehicle hybrid system it hinted at last year. A larger battery and more capable electric motors make it easy for customers to jump into a familiar brand they can trust with all the benefits of safety and contemporary design without having to make drastic changes in their lives. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica If they have workplace charging, convenient charging at home, or even an outlet, they can plug in when it’s convenient to save money and reduce the number of trips they have to make to the gas station. It’s a great bridge, and while we wish the transition happened faster, reality always comes knocking and it’s great to see Volvo responding in kind. For more information about the new Volvo XC40 long-range plug-in hybrid or the new EX40 for global markets, head over to Volvo’s official website.
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