The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge has a combined fuel economy rating of 79 MPGe, an impressive figure that demonstrates its efficiency as a fully electric subcompact SUV. This is the electric equivalent of miles per gallon, showing how far the XC40 Recharge can travel on the same amount of energy as a gallon of gasoline. For drivers who want zero-emission driving without giving up the practicality and style of a premium SUV, the XC40 Recharge is a strong contender.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the 79 MPGe combined rating into 85 MPGe in the city and 72 MPGe on the highway. The higher city rating is due to the XC40 Recharge’s regenerative braking system, which captures energy during deceleration and sends it back into the battery. This makes stop-and-go traffic good for efficiency. On the highway, the XC40 Recharge depends more on its electric motor to maintain speed, resulting in a slightly lower MPGe. Both city and highway numbers are good for a vehicle with all-wheel drive and the XC40’s solid build.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge AWD BEV is about $950. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year in a mix of city and highway conditions. The “fuel” cost is based on the national average price of electricity. This is much less than the annual fuel costs of gasoline-powered SUVs, saving drivers money. The actual cost of electricity can change a lot based on location, time of use, and charging options, but the $950 is a helpful point of reference. Review all Volvo fuel economy data for details.

Real-world expectations

The EPA’s 79 MPGe is a standard benchmark, but real-world range and efficiency change based on different things. Ambient temperature greatly affects battery performance, and colder temperatures usually reduce range. Driving style is also important; quick acceleration and high speeds use more battery power. Using climate control, like heating, also affects range. However, drivers who accelerate smoothly, drive at moderate speeds, and pre-heat the cabin will likely see numbers close to the EPA’s estimates. Many owners personalize driving settings to get the best efficiency.

How it compares

The Volvo XC40 Recharge is in a competitive segment of electric SUVs. The Tesla Model Y Long Range, for example, gets a combined EPA rating of 122 MPGe, which shows Tesla’s focus on maximizing efficiency and range. The Audi e-tron, another luxury electric SUV, has a combined rating of 78 MPGe, similar to the XC40 Recharge but with a different set of features and driving experience. An older Jaguar I-Pace may get about 76 MPGe. These comparisons are helpful for buyers considering range, performance, and luxury in the electric SUV market. See the XC40 MPG across all years for more information. More mainstream EVs like the Nissan Leaf (111 MPGe) or the Hyundai Kona Electric (120 MPGe) are more efficient, but don’t have the Volvo’s premium interior and available AWD.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Pre-condition the cabin while the XC40 Recharge is plugged in. This uses grid power to heat or cool the interior, reducing battery drain while driving. By warming up the cabin ahead of time, you reduce the battery demand once you’re on the road, saving range, especially in cold weather.

Anticipate traffic and drive with smooth acceleration and braking. Regenerative braking is very important for recapturing energy and extending range. Avoiding sudden stops and starts maximizes this system’s effectiveness, particularly in city driving. Learn to control the brake pedal to use regen without using the physical brakes.

Check your tire pressure often. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the electric motor work harder and lowers overall efficiency. Checking the recommended tire pressure, found on the doorjamb sticker, helps with optimal efficiency and tire life.

Be careful with climate control features. Heating uses more energy than cooling in electric vehicles. Using seat heaters instead of cabin heat can greatly reduce energy consumption. Try different climate control settings to find the right balance between comfort and efficiency.