I had an incredible experience driving the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge. As a compact electric SUV, it truly exceeded expectations. My inspiration came from watching Volvo’s CEO unveil the XC90 EX90, showcasing how the brand is leading the charge in electrification.
This inspired me to take my own journey—from the Washington, D.C. area to Cincinnati, Ohio—testing the capabilities of the XC40 Recharge while visiting the University of Cincinnati and participating in a fireside chat with GitHub’s founder.
Setting out from D.C., I charged up in Hagerstown, Maryland, taking I-270 and I-70 through the scenic Appalachian hills. Finding a charging location that provided over 200 miles of range was straightforward. I stopped in Hancock, Maryland, where a ChargePoint Level 3 station quickly boosted my range beyond 270 miles.
Continuing on I-68 through Morgantown, WV, and Washington, PA, I noted that charging infrastructure can be inconsistent; for example, a Shell Recharge station was out of service. However, a nearby GM dealership had a working ChargePoint station that topped me off, allowing me to reach Columbus, Ohio.
I found reliable EVgo Level 3 chargers in Columbus that provided the range I needed to get to Cincinnati. Once there, the University of Cincinnati’s Innovation Hub had additional charging stations, so I was able to fully explore the campus and participate in the event without any range anxiety. The XC40 Recharge proved perfect for both city and highway travel. With Volvo’s superb sound system and ergonomic interior, the drive was comfortable and enjoyable. The SUV integrates Google Maps seamlessly, which simplifies navigation, while the Google Assistant feature makes for a highly interactive experience.
My family has owned Volvos for decades—my mom had a Volvo 960, and my dad had a Volvo 240—so I grew up with the brand. Driving the XC40 Recharge felt like the evolution of Volvo’s legacy, but this fully electric SUV truly represents the future. It’s also one of Volvo’s most accessible EV models, delivering practicality without sacrificing luxury.
Returning to Washington, D.C., I used the same EVgo stations for consistency. I also found a Blink charger at a Hyundai dealership in Washington, PA, which worked quickly and efficiently. The trip cost roughly $100 in total for charging, split between stops in Columbus ($35), Washington, PA ($27), Hagerstown, MD ($9), and a ChargePoint station in Silver Spring, MD ($2). Charging the XC40 Recharge was not only economical but also gave me time to work on proposals and reflect on my experience.
Though charging does take longer than filling a gas tank, I would appreciate seeing faster, 350-kW charging capability in the future for even more convenience. Nonetheless, the experience made me seriously consider buying an EV.
The 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge starts at $55,300, offering advanced features and Volvo’s signature quality. For more information, visit www.volvo.com