Volvo XC40 Recharge Review - Is this SA's best electric car?

[@Dark_Jedi]

I'm sure it's a lovely car, but it's over R400k more than the top of the range petrol xc40. 400k can buy 16000 litres at 25 per litre which equates to over 200 000 km on the petrol car. So you can get a top spec petrol car and drive it for 200 000 km for the cost of the electric car on day 1. And you'll fill up in 5 minutes vs 5 hours. Your resale value will be decent vs a car which will need to have it's battery replaced after 200k km so will be worth almost nothing. I get the performance advantages on electric, but the value equation is heavily weighted against it.

[@bigbadwolf9513]

Never looked at it from this perspective. Interesting 💯

[@cliffarderne9716]

If you are buying an EV to save money on petrol/diesel, you are totally missing the point.

[@Dark_Jedi]

@@cliffarderne9716 I probably am. Seriously though, I don't get the point. Why would I buy an EV then? Why spend over 400k more than an ICE car?

[@BubblesTheCat1]

People are "greenwashing" EV's, suggesting that they're better for the planet, etc. They're not. Their production and mining of scarce metals for the batteries are doing far more harm to the environment than ice cars. Either way, we're doomed anyway as far as the climate goes.

[@9munster]

1. Buyers arent going to keep this car to 200k 2. Have you calculated savings from insurance ?

[@mcwidowmaker7495]

Very happy with my XD40 Recharge. Its done around 10 000km now and my average consumption was 19.8kwh per 100km, which should give you around 330km with a safety margin and 370km full to empty. Likes The one pedal driving. Regen is agressive, so you never need the brakes The adaptive cruise control is fantastic, it follows very well and don't brake hard The range is good and the charge curve is fantastic. Still getting 80kw at around 84% Dislikes No OTA software updates in SA. Data package don't work in SA and even on wifi, the car doesn't update. You have to take it to a dealer No spare wheel and not even runflat tyres. Don't know with our potholes what they were thinking. Mobility kit not sufficient in SA The public charge cable supplied with the vehicle is 3.6kw and the on board charger is 11kw. This is the cable you use for public level 2 chargers and will be a nasty surprise when the vehicle only charges at 1/4 of its capable speed when you sleep over and expect a full car to find it 50% charged in the morning.

[@Carscoza]

This is such great feedback, thank you.

[@CaryInVictoria]

If you like the XD40 Recharge you should try the XC40 Recharge. 🙂

[@larsandersson9760]

I have been waiting for my XC40 for 6 month now. Finally plans for deliviry is only a month away, So excited! 🚙😃

[@winifix]

just in-time for loadsheddings return after elections.

[@tushardas9825]

Another Superb Review from Chirro, The best Car Reviewer 😊. Seems to be a Great CAR all together - But behind the scene ESKOM is smiling as they know that they can keep the Car inside the Garage most of the time very soon 😛,

[@siphamandlamsomi3464]

Great review as always.

[@dmsnickmoore]

I have Volvo xc40 p8 recharge pure electric 1:18 in whit with black I love it I love car so much it very safe cars in world

[@LeRouxEnslin]

I think the single motor version will hit the sweet spot better. The dual motor is for someone who have enough to spend 1.2 mil on a weekday daily, and has solar to charge it up, making it super convenient. No more petrol stops. I love the idea of an electric car's performance.. But a little of a car's soul disappears. I both want, and don't want an electric car.

[@MasterAppels]

The instant peak torque at any revs sounds like a dream.

[@sulemandhanchora5322]

Great video. An electric car that sells for a maximum of no more than 20% more than its ICE counterpart will surely be a success in SA. Waiting for an all electric Polo, Corolla, Fortuner etc. maybe more affordable for the masses. One wouldn’t mind paying 20% more in monthly installments knowing that one will be saving on fuel and running costs. With Solar energy also gaining steam in SA I’m sure many will take to electric cars. Perhaps the Chinese can give us something from the same segment that sells at the same price point of its German ICE counterpart.

[@eugenelawrence8517]

@@crearekrelnein2601 it will surely take more than 15 years for a 20% transition to EVs in SA.

[@etienne6641]

@@eugenelawrence8517 Watch this space when the Taxi industry convert to EV's. The project already started.

[@eugenelawrence8517]

@@etienne6641 the transition will still take forever. The amount of taxis that are not roadworthy won't automatically be changed to new electric models, and these are the majority

[@etienne6641]

@@eugenelawrence8517 let’s hope they will see the benefit in fuel saving cost and maintenance cost. At least there is a start. I think this SA EV transition must come from all sides and will then snowball over time just like Europe . Even bus companies get involved now.

[@etienne6641]

The starting price in Australia for this model is Under R850k. Imagine the waiting list in SA if we pay the same 🙂

[@thabo9218]

Import taxes and volatility of the Rand are responsible for that not Volvo

[@etienne6641]

@@thabo9218 yea I am very sure about that. Volvo will obviously bring it in as low as possible. Look at the Ora Cat that’s coming in now. We pay R700k and Australia pay R500k. Same story.

[@ronaldojele9223]

Love the car but the price damn, the tax on electric cars is a killer .

[@winifix]

tax on everything in SA is ridiculous !!! (still waiting for it to be used on what we pay it for, not politics and crime.)

[@CaryInVictoria]

One-pedal driving can be turned on or off, but that's it. I found one-pedal driving on the XC40 Recharge (and the newer C40 Recharge) to be very similar to that on my BMW i3, which I've had for five years. I think the implementation is close to perfect, much better than that for other EVs I've driven. If one-pedal driving is turned off the driving experience is much like that of an ICE car, but regenerative braking is not sacrificed. That's because Volvo (unlike some EV makers) has implemented "blended braking": when the brake pedal is depressed the car uses as much regenerative braking as it can, adding friction braking only if necessary to achieve the rate of deceleration indicated by the force the driver applies to the brake pedal. When depressing the brake pedal gently, to slow down, the friction brakes will not be used; when smashing the brake pedal in an emergency, both regeneration and friction braking are applied.

[@craigw8828]

I think the reason that it feels uncomfortable in the back seats is due to the height of the seat cushion from the floor. Most EV's have a skateboard platform, where all the batteries are directly beneath the cabin which takes space. So, they end up mounting the seats lower to preserve headroom. However, the lower seat height forces your legs up higher and then your thighs are not supported by the seat cushion. This gives you an uncomfortable seating position, most notably in the back because in the front seat, you are able to extend your legs further and thereby placing more of your thighs on the seat cushion in the front seats.

[@benvisagie8844]

Electric seesm the way to go and as a Volvo fan I surely want a Volvo EV. Loadshedding not a problem, however the cost is a problem. I think the XC60 T8 is the better buy/value for now, maybe R100 000 more expensive but for me that bit bigger and better than the full EV XC40. But I hope it will be a great success in SA

[@flloydzulu]

If i had the money i would definitely go for it.

[@Sushi_219]

Oh man , I've been waiting for this one.👍 I feel like once we get hybrid (Eskom + Renewable Energy source) Type 3 200kw + chargers across south africa, and the government lowers this ridiculous import tax, sell the car for around R600k, it will be mainstream in our country. I also feel like we need a ev company like nio that will make the battery pack a monthly premium price separate from the car cost, the price will drop significantly and allow more people to afford these type of vehicles.

[@ervenbonganimtimkhulu]

You set off my assistant when you spoke about the vehicle's Android features... Hahaha

[@thinuskotze5000]

Question for your next electric car review. What happens after all the warranties run out? I'm a second hand car man... What will happen in 10 years or more when these cars come onto the 2nd hand market?

[@mcwidowmaker7495]

EV's hold their value very well. I lost R50 000 in capital value on my I3 when I sold it after 3 years. Paid R670k new and sold it for R620k to a dealer. There are no maintenance on these vehicles. My I3 had two services at BMW, both services were less than R800, covered by motorplan. One of the I3's in the country had more than 250 000km on and battery was still in great condition, there's an article that you can find if you google around a bit. EV's should be a great investment, as the running cost is much lower than an ICE car and they keep their value very well. Sub R500k EV's will be coming in the next year. Cherry is looking at bringing in their EV's as well as GWM, but our taxes are a bit prohibitive. Hopefully government makes work of that soon.

[@CaryInVictoria]

How much will you get for a 10 year-old ICE car in 2033?

[@henrysithole3623]

@Ciro, I was waiting for you to cough cough mention some car manufacturer who charges a subscription for heated, when you mentioned the heated car seats 😂😂😂.

[@YusufPetersenCPT]

i like that its not an IN YOUR FACE EV... if you looked at this it looks like a normal car no blue badges or anything like that nice.

[@eugenelawrence8517]

That is one of the reasons I bought one

[@thembaa10xaba36]

the car looks premium

[@schlix101]

Great Review. Thank you. . . - Price is still very, very high for the average Jo.

[@Deyan741]

Xc40 and c40 are one of the best ev’s

[@ultimatespartan6244]

video idea trade marking it take all the electric vehicle in SA start at one point like cape town and drive to Durban or JHB with charge point on the way and se who can make it this will advise customers of how they can carry on with there live and drive far no problem and highlight if they make it or not

[@joelneto8180]

Can you do the mild hybrid one

[@CobusDerrenberg]

LOVE THE CAR !😍💖👏 The price is NUTS though 🤢😵😭 I'll get one anyway... for Christmas 😉 Awesome review ! Well done ! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@petter5721]

Love this car 👍🏻

[@shasha023]

i have said it many times and ill say it again, heated seats are useless in South Africa, they will only be useful maybe 1-3 times a year if that at all

[@BubblesTheCat1]

Not really that little. Leather can get uncomfortably cold, even on a 4*C Cape Town night. Especially if the car slept outside overnight. Ciro didn't mention anything, but some electric cars can be controlled from an app on your phone. So, you can turn the heater, defrost and heated seats on say 15 minutes before you leave in the morning. Especially if it's still on charger, it won't affect your range.

[@eugenelawrence8517]

@@BubblesTheCat1 ps. You cannot turn on the heated seats with the app. The app heats or cools the cabin using air. You can however set the car to activate the heated seats by default during winter

[@BubblesTheCat1]

@@eugenelawrence8517 ☺

[@hunadimakgatho3403]

Can I go to polokwane from jhb with this car?. Are there charging points on the N1?

[@Carscoza]

Gridcars, the company who has installed most of the fastchargers in SA, have now added their charging points to Google maps. So you can just use that app and search for chargers on your route. Alternatively you can download their app, ChargePocket, which has all the info you might need. Thanks for watching!

[@brytmaposa9941]

at 3:50 did you say you roadtripped in a F150?

[@Carscoza]

Ciro and the crew roadtripped in a BMW i4M50. Thanks for watching!

[@Smojero]

Will it be worth it to buy an EV as a second hand car in the future? Will the batteries have enough life left to be worth it for a second hand buyer?

[@TorqueDriven]

Nice one guys ! Great car 👍

[@GregMcDavid]

😂😂😂 your conversation with the Volvo Google Assistant, kicked off a conversation with my Google Home speaker... That car is awesome, but the 1 motor version will be "better"...

[@puleletsoalo3592]

I was hoping to find a review for XC40 petrol...is it good car?

[@mthokozisisiphiwe7655]

When are we getting cheap electric cars like MG and BYD?

[@redinza]

I have a question or two 1) does car have tpm 2) does it have a spare tyre and if not, can one buy one

[@eugenelawrence8517]

No spare tyre, but a tyre repair gel and inflator. The front and rear have different tyre sizes, so you could buy a spare, but to only use for a short time as an in-between solution. Yes, tyre pressure monitors are implemented

[@kcsesike5331]

Hey Ciro if you consider an EV as a second hand or demo how many kilometres are too much for the current model car for one to buy or not to buy? Or is it wise to rather buy it brand new?

[@CiroDeSiena]

Great question. I would happily buy a used EV. The best thing about EVs is that there is so little maintenance, the motors are sealed and will basically last forever. The batteries should be good for about 15 years, most manufacturers offer an 8 year battery warranty so check when the warranty was registered on the car. Happy hunting and let me know how it goes!

[@kcsesike5331]

Thank you so much, I’ll definitely update you once the race has been won 🏆

[@Gaffersly]

When do the brake lights come on does it have cruise control

[@eugenelawrence8517]

Yes it has adaptive cruise control and the brakes activate on OPD when a predetermined G-force value is met, or you step on the brakes

[@MrAdyboi]

If it re-gens can you get more then 350km

[@Myteksonic]

Great question....

[@eugenelawrence8517]

That is including the brake Regen. 120km/h highway you will average around 26kW/100km. Example : if you drive 13km up a mountain of 800hm and back down again the Regen could support up to 6% power back into the battery with an average in both directions of 12kW/100km as an example

[@jsmith7183]

1.2 million rand. MADNESS. Wake up people!

[@lukamih]

So this car is the iPhone of the car world with the get in and go and the lack of adjustment

[@Zama_Nkosi]

How much storage does the infotainment system have for downloading your Apple Music/Spotify songs and making them available offline?

[@eugenelawrence8517]

It cannot download offline music. Needs to remain connected to the Internet.

[@Zama_Nkosi]

@@eugenelawrence8517 So save on petrol and spend more on data? Shucks.

[@eugenelawrence8517]

@@Zama_Nkosi as soon as a package with the cellular providers in SA will be agreed upon, an uncapped data package will be included at no cost to the owner. So free data. That is how Volvo has rolled it out worldwide

[@Zama_Nkosi]

@@eugenelawrence8517 That sounds a lot better actually. Have my doubts for some reason but I hope they pull it off. For 1.2 million, with an android device for an infotainment system you would’ve thought you’d get at least 64 GB of data for storage.

[@eugenelawrence8517]

@@Zama_Nkosi you have integrated storage of around 64GB, but Spotify has not updated the Car app for offline storage yet

[@saintgodsworth]

Can i charge it at home?

[@michaelplates]

With regard to starting the engine - does it lock and does it mean that anyone that gets access to the driver's seat can drive the car - can it be broken into and drove off by anyone?

[@eugenelawrence8517]

The key needs to be in the car

[@Getouttahere78]

At that price 😱 No way thanks 😬

[@duncantsolo3273]

But happens if u have a flat tire cz the car does not have a spare?

[@drconfirmed347]

There is a tire repair kit where a fluid is able seel the holes. If the damage is worse than you can call Volvo and they will replace the tire.

[@duncantsolo3273]

@@drconfirmed347 thank you for the answer ❤❤

[@paulholterhaus7084]

I would enjoy electric.........But for now will buy ICE and invest the XTRA $20 Grand in the market...........Paul

[@whitewalker9622]

have you tried the fiat 500 ev?

[@Carscoza]

Sadly not yet!

[@juriebezuidenhout2538]

What if a toddler land on the driver seat and drive??

[@mcwidowmaker7495]

Hopefully the toddler doesn't have the key in his diaper🤣

[@juriebezuidenhout2538]

@@mcwidowmaker7495 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@eugenelawrence8517]

The seat sensor requires a person to sit continuously. The toddler would have to have the key with them, know to set the car in drive and reach the accelerator without lifting their but off the seat. If that is achievable, then they should have been taught already not to do it

[@thabisomaleka3933]

for R 1,260,000.00 Volvo better have super fast chargers all over the major cities with free charging & free battery replacement every 5 years

[@eugenelawrence8517]

Does a R2 Million BMW M3 come with free fuel? Its 12V battery isn't even covered under a 5 year warranty, nor its engine. Volvo offers a 7 year warranty on the battery and subsidised charging at fast chargers for the first year in most countries ( free fast charging for 2 years in the US subsidisedby the government)

[@MrAdyboi]

How do you connect the car to internet

[@Myteksonic]

Built in 4G / 5G sim card.

[@mcwidowmaker7495]

Wifi. The build in sim has no data connection in SA. No OTA updates in SA either

[@kheswas]

Mind if I keep that jacket for you safe here in Durban

[@MillenialKay]

In my next life I want to be a car reviewer

[@duncantsolo3273]

I'd buy it regardless of the price❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@PeterbFree]

And how much does it cost to do a ‘full’ charge?

[@kyledebrouwer7708]

Simple. R/kWh*Battery Capacity (kWh). For me it would roughly be R2.98 R/kWh * 77kWh = R229.

[@BubblesTheCat1]

@@kyledebrouwer7708 Where do you pay R2.98/Kwh if I can ask? ☺

[@BubblesTheCat1]

@@crearekrelnein2601 Loadshedding is not the problem. How come your phone and computer is charged then? Same with ev's.

[@kyledebrouwer7708]

@@BubblesTheCat1 CoCT

[@arthurgumbochuma9730]

The first and most obvious issue with owning an electric car is the cost of a battery replacement. The average South African family doesn’t even have 100 000 rand in savings for an emergency, much less the cost of thousands a battery replacement can cost. This replacement can be a detailed repair job that the average mechanic won’t be able to do. Until the cost of a replacement battery comes down in price an electric car just won’t be a feasible option for the average consumer. Many families need an affordable option and that means repairs that are reasonable to afford. Plus where are they are going to get all the Lithium??? It's all an agenda

[@astus1836]

Hater, really so ice engines never need rebuild, repairs replacements. The facts on this argument are out, long term they are cheaper. little to no servicing, batteries in teslas are still in the high 80% after 100 000 miles so they are going to run for far longer than the warranty period. Stop using bullSh/6t arguments for fossil cars.

[@GrilledCheeseSandwich1]

The is a lot of lithium in the ground. They're definitely going to discover more. They always do. Once that's run out, there is 180 billion tons on lithium in the oceans, enough to last at least 1000 years. If do don't recycle or change our tech for 1000 years, we might run out. So let's just say, don't spread FUD.

[@All.Gravy96]

As soon as we get affordable electric cars I am sure everyone will be buying them

[@NgolaNalane]

SA has such a stupid unnecessary tax on EVs. I don't know what tf this government is thinking

[@patshes1951]

At that price it is a failure . We need an electric car for the masses to make a dent greenhouse gasses.

[@BubblesTheCat1]

Ev's create more greenhouse gases than ice cars.

[@eugenelawrence8517]

Not all cars are made for the majority. More than 100 new EVs are scheduled for international launch in 2022 and 2023 starting from R220k. Inevitably cheaper models will reach SA. Consider when I bought a Golf GTi 10 years ago it was R335k. Now it is closer to R700k. The biggest thing is for the Government to start subsidising EV purchases. Unlikely with all the corruption, but ja

[@Somilangaye]

...that price is not!

[@Mr_Seppo]

Its interesting to see what people think about acar from scandinavia, where i am from, but as you know volvo isnt the best one from here, hahaha.

[@pjb9010]

2014 golf R yes

[@eugenelawrence8517]

Golf 8 (R) does 0-100 in 4.7 and this Volvo SUV does it in 4.9 every time being bigger and heavier. It destroys a 2014 Golf R.

[@pjb9010]

@@eugenelawrence8517 on paper yes many have proven the 8R to do 4.1/4.2 to the 100km I haven't seen the Volvo do a sub 5 but either way for the power and torque I'd hope it can deliver, I won't account the Volvo for the price knowing our market the 8R will exceed 1mil in price hence the Volvo is even more impressive at R1.2 for a Ev Suv

[@eugenelawrence8517]

@@pjb9010 agreed. Several people have stated they managed 4.5 with the Volvo as well. I own one and you miss the sound of the Golf for the first while, but the power is definitely not lacking, especially since it doesn't sound loud to bother the neighbours.

[@pjb9010]

@@eugenelawrence8517 that's impressive man

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

@@eugenelawrence8517 no the vw I’d3 will destroy the vw golf

[@paulholterhaus7084]

I'll take a CX50 for half the money...........OR maybe 2 of Them..............Paul

[@yekeenhutheram7426]

If theres no "on off" button and keyless,how is the safety managed with a child jumping in the drivers seat and accelerating?

[@chommiegumz]

The car must first be put into drive. And what child does that anyway?

[@yekeenhutheram7426]

@@chommiegumz ah ok,just that you notice in a car park kids jumping around inside the car if one of the parents steps in the shop

[@egbertpesha4082]

Volvo is big on safety they must've thought about this

[@chommiegumz]

@@yekeenhutheram7426 but it's impossible for them to turn the car on and drive it. That would have to be a very specific chain of events. + Isn't the other parent there to monitor them🙁

[@SM-yr1go]

whoowoo timestamps

[@winifix]

its competition is non existent in SA hardly makes it best, give us Tesla's at US prices in ZAR without import tax and this will get no sales.

[@Neevarshan_Naicker]

Can't wait for the new BMW i7 to hit showroom floors. That's going to be completely serene to drive 😇

[@Kiki.Motloung]

Using Sweedish Voodoo🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@techatlength]

I don't like the fact that all electric cars don't have spare wheels. The thought of being stranded in South Africa is scary

[@eugenelawrence8517]

It's not just EVs, most premium manufacturers are/have moved away from a spare wheel and replaced it with an emergency repair kit

[@ayagebane8273]

Let's see once the Chinese flood this market.