The market for luxury electric SUVs is increasing year after year, with more and more manufacturers offering a standalone electric SUV option or a variation of an already popular vehicle in their lineup with an electric motor. For Volvo, the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is a competitive option against other less-modestly priced vehicles from Tesla, and it gives buyers a wider variety of vehicles. But does the Volvo XC40 Recharge offer enough range to really compete against more established electric SUV options?

What is the electric range of the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge?

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is an underdog in the world of luxury electric cars. Price and feature-wise, it is a direct competitor of Tesla, making it a good option for buyers who are looking for something a little different but still want a luxury electric SUV. The Recharge offers a rather pleasant amount of electric range, with a reported 208-mile range on a single, full charge. This isn’t as much as some electric vehicles, but it is close enough to compete with electric cars that offer 250 miles or more of electric range. As most drivers don’t travel 200 miles between charges, this is more than enough for the average electric vehicle owner. There are currently no options for extended range on the Recharge — what you get is what you get.

The Volvo XC40 is either electric or gasoline powered

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge isn’t the long-range model of the electric SUV that you see from brands like Tesla, but instead just the all-electric model. This means that the Recharge is the only electric variation offered for this spunky and underrated SUV, with the standard XC40 being offered with a more common gasoline-powered engine. They share most of their features and styling characteristics, with the most noticeable difference upon first glance is the grille, which isn’t needed for the electric 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Is the Recharge worth it over the standard model?

The difference in price between the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge and the standard model is quite a bit, making buyers wonder if it’s really worth the difference in price. The Recharge, for example, has a starting price of $59,555 while the standard model has a starting price of almost $20,000 less at $39,1110 — meaning that for some drivers, the benefits of driving an electric version of the vehicle isn’t enough to pick the Recharge over the standard XC40 with a gasoline engine. The Recharge isn’t the best option for drivers who commute long distances or live in areas where recharging stations aren’t as readily available — or, perhaps, if you just have electric vehicle range anxiety, which isn’t unheard of, especially for first-time electric car owners. How far you travel and how comfortable you are with monitoring the remaining range will determine if the Recharge is worth the price to you.