Volvo, like other manufacturers, has entered the EV market. While Polestar was supposed to be the EV sub-brand, we already have two electric models with the Volvo badge – the XC40 Recharge and the C40 Recharge. It is the latter of these two that Bjørn Nyland, a YouTuber with a focus on EVs, recently took on a 1,000 km (621-mile) trip, to see how fast the new Swedish coupe can cover the distance. The end result was a pleasant surprise.

The Volvo C40 Recharge is the sportier, coupe version of the XC40 Recharge. It is based on the same platform and comes with the same powertrain options. This particular one is equipped with the dual-motor setup, which means 408 horsepower and 487 pound-feet (660 Nm) - 204 horsepower and 244 pound-feet (330 Nm) per motor. The setup allows for 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.7 seconds, on to a limited top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).

The dual-motor variant of the C40 Recharge has a claimed range of 261 miles (420 km) WLTP thanks to a 78 kWh battery pack, with an average energy consumption of 3 miles/kWh.

With the EV infrastructure coming along nicely, range anxiety is no longer an issue, at least in most parts of the world where EVs are becoming increasingly popular. However, Bjørn Nyland’s 1,000 km (621-mile) tests answer another question: are EVs quicker, during long-range trips? The answer is yes. In this test, the Volvo C40 Recharge managed to cover 1,000 km (621 miles) in 10 hours and 35 minutes (after time deductions).

To put things in perspective, the Volvo XC40 Recharge, which has the same powertrain, managed 12 hours and 15 minutes. The C40 Recharge test was carried out at an average temperature of 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). During the test, the C40 Recharge made six stops for charging, with an average distance between stops of 143 km (89 miles). The average speed was 94.5 km/h (59 mph).

Back in March, Bjørn Nyland also range-tested the C40 Recharge and managed 366 km (227 miles) at a speed of 90 km/h (56 mph) and 255 km (158 miles) with a constant speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). It’s also worth noting that the test was carried out during winter, which reduces an EV’s maximum range. In fact, AAA tests have revealed that temperature alone, could cause up to 12-percent range loss.

Regardless, the C40 Recharge’s time means it is the fastest Volvo/Polestar product to cover the 1,000 km (621-mile) test. The time of 10 hours and 35 minutes also puts it on par with the Volkswagen ID.4, which has a bigger, 89 kWh battery. Currently, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD is the top EV in the long-range test, with a time of 9 hours and 20 minutes, although it is worth noting the average atmospheric temperature during that test was 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). Long story short, the C40 Recharge, like other new EVs, proves that one of the biggest issues with EVs - the range - has largely been sorted.

FAQ

Q: Who owns Lotus?

Lotus is under the Chinese conglomerate called Geely, which also owns Volvo and Polestar.

Q: When is the Lotus Eletre coming to the US?

Lotus confirmed that their new electric hyper-SUV, the Eletre, will arrive in 2024 in the U.S.

Q: How fast is the Eletre?

The Eletre is claimed to touch 60 miles per hour from a standstill in less than three seconds.

Q: What is the estimated range of the Eletre?

The Eletre will deliver at least 315 miles, which is slightly on the lower side, compared to what the Model X offers.