How Quickly Can You Recharge the Volvo XC40?

Owning an electric vehicle comes with many benefits for the environment and the wallet, but many who could be tempted by an EV are worried about the charging situation. Although it might seem complicated at first, charging an electric vehicle such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge is very easy and convenient. Here’s why.

Charging on the road

The type of charging that gets talked about the most online and in automotive publications is the Level 3 DC fast charging method. This is the fastest way to charge the XC40 Recharge, but it isn’t the method most owners will actually use the most. Indeed, this system has been engineered to be convenient for drivers who are on a long road trip and need a boost in power to reach their destination. This is why Level 3 chargers are often found next to highways and tourist attractions. Plugging the Volvo XC40 Recharge in a level 3 charger will allow the battery to go from 10% to 80% in 32 minutes. It is not recommended to exceed 80% with these types of chargers because the charging rate slows down significantly past that point in order to protect the battery. Level 2 chargers are also very common in public places such as hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. Continue reading to learn more.

Charging at home

Most owners of the Volvo XC40 Recharge will have a level 2 charger installed in their garage or outside their house. This is the most common way to charge the vehicle and by far the most convenient. Indeed, you simply plug the cable in when the battery needs charging and then you don’t have to worry about it until you have to drive again. This charging solution is perfect for drivers who have a regular schedule because it takes about 8 hours to charge the battery from empty to full, meaning that the XC40 will charge overnight and it will always be ready to drive in the morning. Drivers who can’t charge at home can often make use of a level 2 charger at their workplace in order to top up the battery during their workday.

Charging on a regular household outlet

Even if you can’t find a specialized EV charger while out and about, you can get a top-up in the Volvo XC40 Recharge anywhere there is a regular household outlet. Indeed, it is possible to charge the battery using a normal three-prong outlet. This is convenient if you stay overnight in an area where there are no dedicated EV charging stations, such as when going to a cottage in a remote part of the country, for example. This method is better viewed as a last resort way to charge however since it is quite slow. Indeed, it can take up to 40 hours for the battery to reach 100% when using this method.