Volvo testing wireless electric vehicle charging tech

Updated Mar 04, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It will charge almost as fast as a wired fast charger.

Volvo Cars has already announced its efforts to transform the brand to go all-electric by 2030. The Swedish automaker said that it is convinced that electric cars are more attractive for customers, hence the efforts to strengthen its electrification campaign.

Volvo Cars wireless electric vehicle charging tech

The company is testing out new wireless charging pads

One of the initiatives of Volvo Cars is the development of new wireless charging technology. It is not for in-car charging of smartphones, but electric vehicles (EVs) without the use of a cable. This project is part of the brand’s Gothenburg Green City Zone which has designated areas within the city that are used ‘as live testbeds for the development of sustainable technologies.’

“Gothenburg Green City Zone lets us try exciting new technologies in a real environment and evaluate them over time for a potential future broader introduction,” said Volvo Cars Research and Development Head Mats Moberg. “Testing new charging technologies together with selected partners is a good way to evaluate alternative charging options for our future cars.”

Volvo wireless electric vehicle charging tech

Drivers don't have to get out of their EVs

Momentum Dynamics has been tapped to deliver the charging stations. Without having to leave the car, the charging starts automatically when a compatible vehicle parks over a charging pad. The brand’s 360-degree camera system will be used so drivers can easily align their Volvo cars within the wireless EV charging tech.

For the fully electric Volvo XC40, the wireless charging power will be more than 40 kW. It is four times faster than a wired 11 kW AC charger and almost as fast as a wired 50 kW DC fast charger. The company is currently undertaking durability tests of all-electric Volvo models to develop its charging pad and other EV plans.

Volvo wireless electric vehicle charging tech

It is almost as fast as a wired fast charger

Volvo Cars is on a mission with its electrification campaign which is backed by a 10 billion SEK (Swedish Krone) investment, or about Php 56.2 billion. By 2025, we could see that half of the Swedish automaker’s lineup will be utilizing an all-electric powertrain. The wireless EV charging tech will be a handy tool for the brand’s customers.

Don’t miss the latest car tech at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Volvo XC40 2024

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 is the smallest SUV in the Swedish brand’s roster that officially completes the XC lineup. It is their first-ever compact premium SUV breaking into the brand’s entry into the competitive segment among luxury brands. The model comes in a playful and progressive design that is elevated with premium trims, making it unique yet still embodying the brand’s signature aesthetic. Volvo has been known as a brand that prioritizes road safety, thus the XC40 is furnished with the City Safety package, a 360-degree camera, Cross-Traffic Alert, and Run Off Road protection. It is locally available in three variants which are the Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 Momentum AT, Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 R-Design AT, Volvo XC40 2.0 T5 AWD AT. Under the hood are either a 1.3L turbodiesel or a 2.0L turbocharged gasoline engine.

>>> New and used Volvo XC40 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Volvo XC40 Launch

Volvo Philippines first introduced the XC40 in September 2017. A couple of years later, they released a refreshed model in March of 2019 updated with the latest technologies and safety systems.

Volvo XC40 Exterior

The Volvo XC40 is a compact SUV that shows the brand’s playful and progressive aesthetic. Its boxy profile, clamshell hood, and unique rear window shape make it stand out among vehicles in its segment. What makes the premium SUV distinguishable is the two-tone color scheme in which the roof contrasts with the rest of the vehicle’s paint.

Despite the fun, sporty vibe of the XC40, it remains to follow the Swedish brand’s minimalist and elegant design philosophy. Narrow LED headlamps and T-shaped LED running lights accentuate the hexagonal mesh grille that houses the iconic Volvo emblem in chrome. Its sloping roofline comes with a roof rack and sunroof that add to the athletic guise of the SUV. Finishing the look are 18-inch alloy wheels.

Volvo XC40 angular front

Volvo XC40 side end

Volvo XC40 angular rear

Volvo XC40 Interior

Volvo’s signature design and layout extend to the interior which boasts generous space for up to five people and plenty of ingenious storage solutions. It features a design similar to the XC60 with the fully digital instrument cluster and the Swedish brand’s iconic trademark vertical touchscreen. It is complemented by a multifunctional steering wheel with controls for added convenience.

Seats are wrapped in premium leather with electric adjustability. On the rear is an expansive cargo space that can carry up to 460 liters with a clever folding floor providing much-needed flexible space.

Volvo XC40 steering wheel

Volvo XC40 gear selector

Technology & Safety Features

The Volvo XC40 offers the best possible safety standards combined with a user-friendly interface and connected services. Crowning the dashboard is a 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system that Volvo calls “Sensus”. It displays vehicle information and provides easy access to entertainment and safety features of the vehicle.

The SUV’s entertainment package includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration for smartphones, plus wireless charging of mobile devices. Audio comes out of a Harman Kardon Premium Sound system.

As expected from Volvo, the XC40 comes with a whole suite of safety features from the standard City Safety full auto brake systems and a 360° Camera to more advanced features such as the Cross-Traffic Alert with auto brake, and Run Off Road protection. The new system enables automatic passenger restraints as it detects that the vehicle leaving the roadway. Other usual protection technologies the XC40 is equipped with are an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, a Lane Departure Warning System, front and rear parking sensors, a push start button, and keyless entry.

Platform & Chassis

The 5-door, 5-seater compact luxury SUV is the first model Volvo built upon their Compact Modular Architecture platform. The suspension comes in the form of an Independent McPherson strut in front and an Independent multi-link at the rear. Stopping power comes from disc brakes all around.

Engine & Drivetrain

The Volvo XC40 comes in two engine options that produce 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The D3 variants are powered by a 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine while the T5 comes with a 2.0 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. Both are mated to an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. The D3 variants’ transmission sends power to the front wheels, while the T5's transfers power to all wheels.

Volvo XC40 2024 Price List

Let's check out the Volvo XC40 2024 price in September in the Philippines.

 Variants  Price
Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 Momentum AT ₱3,350,000
Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 R-Design AT ₱3,495,000
Volvo XC40 2.0 T5 AWD AT ₱3,895,000

Volvo XC40 FAQs

1. How many variants does the Volvo XC40 have?

Three variants. They are the Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 Momentum AT, Volvo XC40 1.5 D3 R-Design AT, and Volvo XC40 2.0 T5 AWD AT.

2. How much does the Volvo XC40 cost?

Depending on what variant it is, the price of the Volvo XC40 starts from ₱3,350,000 to ₱3,895,000.

3. Is the Volvo XC40 a luxury vehicle?

The Volvo XC40 is indeed a fantastic luxury subcompact SUV.

4. What does the Volvo XC stand for?

Volvo has used the name prefix/suffix "VOLVO XC" on a number of crossovers and SUVs. Cross Country is referred to as "XC," with the letter X standing for "Cross" and the letter C for "Country."

5. How long does the battery in a Volvo XC40 last?

Volvo XC40 batteries typically last between three and five years, but this might vary based on the battery type, environmental factors, the driver's behavior, and other factors.

 

₱ 3,350,000 - ₱ 5,595,000

Explore
Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rexsanchez09

View more