Video Summary
Here is a summary of the YouTube video:The Volvo XC40 Recharge Extended Range has switched from front wheel drive to rear wheel drive for the model year 2024. A single electric motor is now on the rear axle, not the front as in previous models. The rear electric motor is more efficient, containing a silicon carbide inverter for enhanced efficiency. There is now a bigger battery pack for the 2024 model, providing a larger range. This change to rear wheel drive provides welcome driving dynamics and handling in both wet and dry conditions. Driving to the charging station used three to four percent of the battery. The battery took a discharge of 23% in only 10 minutes of being driven. A continental ContiViking7, studless winter tires are equipped front and rear. The charging speed, from this charging point was 41.5 kilowatts.
Ground clearance and the smooth throttle calibration are what is needed to make winter driving manageable with this car. With front-wheel drive, one can also steer the wheels, which gives one more flexibility in tough situations. Although the reviewer prefers FWD for these reasons, the high ground clearance, one-pedal drive and fresh winter tires makes driving in slippery conditions manageable, with a caveat: preconditioning the battery first is best.
