Volvo has donated an XC40 Recharge battery-electric crossover to the New York Fire Department (FDNY) for safety training purposes. With the advent of electric vehicles, firefighters will need to change how they cut a vehicle to extract occupants out of them after an accident. Additionally, most cars like the XC40 are constructed with extensive amounts of ultra-high-strength steel, further requiring specialized extrication processes.
“As the automotive industry and Volvo Cars in particular speed toward an electric future, our world will see changes that reach far beyond how drivers power their cars. This includes the experience first responders will have with these vehicles,” said Eric Miller, Vice President of the northeast region at Volvo Car USA. “The XC40 Recharge we have donated will help ready the FDNY for this future, and we’re proud to support them as they continue the vital work of protecting the communities they serve.”
Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro notes that with more EV’s on the road, FDNY members must train on extrications, fires, and other accidents that involve them. “Thanks to the FDNY Foundation’s support and this generous donation from Volvo Cars, our members will be even better trained and more prepared to respond to these incidents and continue to bravely protect New Yorkers,” he added. The donated Volvo XC40 Recharge, which was handed over at Volvo of Manhattan, will be used to update training procedures and real-life protocols regarding EVs. These changes are aimed to improve the methods used for getting passengers out safely and keep firefighters out of harm’s way.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge has all the traditional driver and passenger safety features synonymous with the Swedish brand. It was also developed to ensure that first responders are also safe. Volvo has added a dedicated battery safety cage, independently sealed and cooled battery modules to prevent leaks and damage, high voltage components in bright colors, and a high-voltage deactivation switch that’s easy to access.
Built on the modular CMA platform, the XC40 Recharge is Volvo’s first all-electric model. It uses two electric motors with a combined output of 402 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque and standard AWD. The 78-kWh battery pack has 75 kW of usable capacity and is mounted low under the passenger floor. Unlike other EVs, the XC40 and its sibling vehicles, the Polestar 2 and the upcoming C40 Recharge have batteries that take advantage of the areas where the drive shaft and other internal combustion components would be.
On a single charge, the XC40 Recharge is capable of traveling up to 208 miles. Using a level 3 DC charger, the crossover’s peak charge rate is 150 kW, allowing it to get to 80 percent in roughly 40 minutes. With a level 2 AC charger or a 240-volt outlet, you can get a full charge overnight. The XC40 Recharge peaks at 11 kW on a level 2 AC charger like the one found in your home.
Other than the lack of a traditional grille, the Volvo XC40 Recharge looks similar to the internal combustion version. The only other telltale signs are the lack of exhaust outlets and the P8 Recharge badge on the hatch. Only the all-electric Recharge model is available with the Sage Green exterior color.
