XC40 Recharge is Volvo's answer to Tesla Model X

For years, Volvo has mentioned that they are fully committed to the electric car movement. It started with plug-in hybrids and now, pure EVs under their Polestar division. This time around, they have launched their first EV wearing the Volvo badge.

It's called the XC40 Recharge, and it delivers surprisingly shocking performance. Why? The electric motors powering the small crossover is good for 408 PS and, even more electrifying, 660 Nm of torque. This eco crossover can do the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in a mere 4.9 seconds, easily out-accelerating all of its gas-powered variants. Top speed is governed at 180 km/h, sticking to their promise of putting speed restrictors on their future models.

The XC40 Recharge uses two electric motors, each producing 150 kilowatts. These are mounted to the front and rear, effectively giving this crossover all-wheel drive. Its battery on the other hand has a capacity of 48 kWh, giving it a range of up to 400 kilometers on a single full charge. Volvo adds that it can charge to 80 percent from flat in just 40 minutes with a fast charging system.

For its exterior, it largely looks the same as its fuel-fed counterpart save for some minor changes. Most visible is its grill, replacing the slatted design with a single panel. Also, the word 'Recharge' is subtly written on the rear pillar. Another subtle difference is the cover for the charging port. In gas models, that fuel door is on the right hand side while the Recharge has its port on the left hand side. As for the interior, it's largely the same as the conventional XC40 save for a unique instrument cluster that displays more relevant information for EV drivers.

Given that Volvo Philippines announced their future offerings will mostly be plug-in hybrids, there is actually a strong possibility that the XC40 will be offered here. After all, Nissan will be selling the Leaf here soon and Hyundai has shown the pure electric version of the Ioniq locally as well. Should Volvo Philippines push through, they will be the first luxury automaker to sell cars in the country.