2WD XC40 Recharge BEV

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qrt31
Posts: 172
Joined: Mon Aug 02, 2021 10:30 am

Post by qrt31 »

Just noticed that there is now a 2WD version of the XC40 Recharge BEV. A few £1,000 cheaper. At the moment not possible to order 4WD except for one colour on subscription at Core level. Interesting that it is showing the 2WD at 4-5 months delivery, whereas just last week the 4WD was showing as 10 months.

eugen61
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Joined: Sun May 10, 2020 7:33 am

Post by eugen61 »

Indeed, there’s a new version of the full electric Recharge. It has only one electric motor providing FWD with 231 HP. It shaves 170 kg returning 20% improved mileage, but the range is identical with the heavier, 2 electric motor AWD, 408 HP version.

It’s interesting to see Volvo transforming the AWD into FWD. As non AWD option, the majority of electric car manufacturers opted for back wheel drive architecture (Tesla, VW, Audi, Skoda, etc) given the improved dynamics with battery weight distribution, low center of gravity and front wheel recuperation breaking.
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Greggspies
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Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2021 10:16 am

Post by Greggspies »

Does the rear wheel drive motor compromise boot space? I see the Polestar 2 also has the same FWD only option.
MY22 T5 Recharge Inscription Pro in Denim Blue with Blond Interior
eugen61
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Joined: Sun May 10, 2020 7:33 am

Post by eugen61 »

Greggspies wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 2:01 pm Does the rear wheel drive motor compromise boot space? I see the Polestar 2 also has the same FWD only option.
It might, but Volvo’s boot size is identical for both FWD and AWD versions, removing the back axle motor did not improve boot space. Since Volvo’s electric car architecture was built from the start with 2 motors (see below), looks like an easier and cheaper solution to remove the back axle motor instead of the front one.

CA315A7D-F04E-4B87-A280-171D97B06CC4.jpeg

eugen61
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Joined: Sun May 10, 2020 7:33 am

Post by eugen61 »

eugen61 wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 1:33 pm Indeed, there’s a new version of the full electric Recharge. It has only one electric motor providing FWD with 231 HP. It shaves 170 kg returning 20% improved mileage, but the range is identical with the heavier, 2 electric motor AWD, 408 HP version.
Lower mass with one motor returns better consumption, FWD 18.7 vs AWD 23.8 (kWh/100km). Volvo had the opportunity to increase range for the lower mass FWD by maintaining the 75 kWh net battery, but decided to offer identical 400 km range for both versions by reducing battery net capacity in the FWD to 67 kWh.
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