It has been a long time coming, but it has finally arrived. What you see here is the Volvo XC40 Recharge. It becomes the first Volvo-branded EV (Electric Vehicle) and introduces the company’s Recharge car line. Over the next five years, the Swedish carmaker will launch a fully electric car every year. By 2025, Volvo’s aim is that its pure-electric models account for 50 per cent of global sales, with the rest coming from hybrids. The ‘Recharge’ tag will denote all chargeable Volvos (EV and PHEV).

All of that is to come. For now, let’s focus on the XC40 Recharge. The main highlight is its zero-emissions powertrain. It consists of two electric motors, one on each axle, and together they produce 402bhp/660Nm. The duo also gives birth to an all-wheel-drive system which should help make the most of the available oomph. Volvo claims that the XC40 Recharge can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 180kmph. Those figures aren’t bad for something that weighs 2,150kg. The same powertrain does duty in the Polestar 2 EV.

With those performance numbers out of the way, we arrive at the business of battery. The total capacity is 78 kWh which, according to the Swedes, is good enough for a range of over 400km (as per WLTP and EPA driving cycles). As far as the charging capability is concerned, the zero-emissions compact SUV can take up to 150 kW of DC feed. As per Volvo, it will take approximately 40 minutes to juice-up the lithium-ion pack from 10 per cent to 80 per cent.

Although the XC40 Recharge has the same CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) underneath as the conventionally-powered versions, it has had to make some compromises. The EV is more than 650kg heavier. Because of that added weight, its ground clearance of 175mm is 36mm lower. Sure, there is additional 31-litre luggage space under the bonnet. However, the luggage compartment can only gulp up to 413 litres, as opposed to 460 litres on the regular models.

If you are okay with those chinks in the XC40 Recharge’s armour, there is little else to put you off. Frankly, there’s a lot to look forward to in this model. It becomes the first Volvo to feature a new infotainment system which is powered by Google Android operating system. That means the car comes with convenient pre-installed features like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Other features to boast about includes interior carpeting made entirely of recycled plastic, a digital instrument cluster, and safety features such as BLIS and Pilot Assist.

Depending on the pricing, which considering Volvo’s track record should be nothing short of competitive, the XC40 Recharge is set to find many takers. What do you think of it?