[Daniel.w.leigh]

Tested: 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Leans on Style

Volvo's compact EV crossover dons a sleeker if less practical slope-back form.

www.caranddriver.com

I was just reading this article on the new C40, and I noted an interesting thing in the article. Regarding the buttons on the steering wheel which no longer function since an OTA update moved the Pilot Assist function into the touchscreen, "Jonas Engström, head of strategy and business ownership, tells us functionality for them is on the way."

Also, regarding the new range-extending function we got with the latest update; "We're told that for now it will affect only climate-control operation but it could expand to tweak other systems that siphon energy from the battery."

If this is true, I'm really excited to see what comes with the XC40/C40 (I own the XC40 Recharge) over the coming updates. I know that some people on here like to moan about the half-baked nature of the XC40 EV, but Volvo seems to be doing much more than the other mainstream brands when it comes to significant OTA improvements to the car. Tesla are known for this, of course, but the likes of BMW, Mercedes etc haven't been making OTA improvements to their EVs, instead waiting for model year changes like the 'old days'. Having driving the Mercedes EQC for a week recently, I would take my XC40 over it any day!

 

[arijaycomet]

There is a ton of potential for what a “range mode” feature could do here. First, it could force the car into FWD mode (or at least more FWD bias) to get more power. On the freeway the car -should- be already going into FWD mode entirely; the Porsche Taycan ”range” mode did this; Tesla does it by default. Other things like making the map of the go pedal (accelerator) to be less quick on the uptake to slow you down slightly — etc —-

Totally agree, should be interesting and fun to see what future holds and how much they continue to support this platform. As the XC40/C40 are the only 100% BEV from Volvo right now, it would benefit them heavily to support us and garnish data from users/owners ASAP for future cars!

 

[columbrian]

Yeah, that’s the optimistic view.

A more pessimistic view is that they shipped it before it was ready, figuring they’d finish it later with OTA updates. Unfortunately that is becoming the norm in the technology business.

To be fair, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

But there is no kind view of their software development competence. It’s one thing to be late with features. It’s an entirely different thing to release bug riddled software that can’t do simple things like keep the car connected to the network it relies on.

 

[Luckycharms]

There is a ton of potential for what a “range mode” feature could do here. First, it could force the car into FWD mode (or at least more FWD bias) to get more power. On the freeway the car -should- be already going into FWD mode entirely; the Porsche Taycan ”range” mode did this; Tesla does it by default.

Engine specifications | Engine specifications | Specifications | XC40 Recharge Pure Electric 2021 | Volvo Support

Engine specifications (output, etc.) for each engine variant are shown in the table below. The specifications for Spe...

www.volvocars.com

Unfortunately this cannot happen with the XC40/C40 platform.

This platform uses two permanent magnet motors, which cannot be turned off during operation. All wheel drive cars that can operate in FWD only will use a permanent motor in the front and an induction motor on the rear that can be turned off.

 

[arijaycomet]

Unfortunately this cannot happen with the XC40/C40 platform.

This platform uses two permanent magnet motors, which cannot be turned off during operation. All wheel drive cars that can operate in FWD only will use a permanent motor in the front and an induction motor on the rear that can be turned off.

Today I learned! Does this also mean the bias cannot change front to rear? Or just means while power can shift front to rear some amount greater than 0% must always occur at rear? This is a good argument for 4x hub motors like many other vehicles forthcoming plan to use.

 

[Luckycharms]

I believe they could alter the power bias between the front and rear motor through software if they wanted to. I've heard that some manufacturers will use a more powerful motor in the rear in order to produce a more rear bias driving experience. No extra programming needed.

 

[B-mtrd]

I believe they could alter the power bias between the front and rear motor through software if they wanted to. I've heard that some manufacturers will use a more powerful motor in the rear in order to produce a more rear bias driving experience. No extra programming needed.

That’s what VW is doing with the ID4 AWD models.

 

[He Keith]

Engine specifications | Engine specifications | Specifications | XC40 Recharge Pure Electric 2021 | Volvo Support

Engine specifications (output, etc.) for each engine variant are shown in the table below. The specifications for Spe...

www.volvocars.com

Unfortunately this cannot happen with the XC40/C40 platform.

This platform uses two permanent magnet motors, which cannot be turned off during operation. All wheel drive cars that can operate in FWD only will use a permanent motor in the front and an induction motor on the rear that can be turned off.

I think that is an advantage the VW/Audi has. The rear motor is a permeant magnet and the front is induction and they turn it off when not needed. That probably explains why the AWD ID/4 gives up only about 10 miles of range.

 

[1moreRobot]

I'd like to see them put it back to what the buttons were designed to do and what they do in other Volvos (Pilot Assist toggles), or maybe make it customizable with that as one of the options.

 

[arijaycomet]

What is REALLY odd about the removal of that button from the XC40 is that my 2022 Polestar 2 running the same v1.7 software still has the "right button toggles PA" feature set. Meaning the change seems isolated to the XC40 only; strange. (in reply to @1moreRobot above)

 

[He Keith]

What frustrates me is they are spending all this effort on what is essentially cosmetic's while there are functional issues that need to be fixed. This really does show this car is a work in progress and they clearly knew when they released it that it was going to be a work in progress where we all suffer along with their poor development work.

 

[1moreRobot]

What is REALLY odd about the removal of that button from the XC40 is that my 2022 Polestar 2 running the same v1.7 software still has the "right button toggles PA" feature set. Meaning the change seems isolated to the XC40 only; strange. (in reply to @1moreRobot above)

that is strange. It’s like they’re making it up as they go along.
my understanding is that XC60s and V90s running AAOS have the same config as XC40 Recharge.

 

[XC90_Dinosaur]

P8 has lots of unused potential. It has identical permanent magnet motors front and back for what I know. Both 150kW. I am pretty sure car will be updated with two or more driving modes. Something like Sport and Eco. It makes sense. Another thing I am pretty sure it will come is little bump in performance. Improving in the acceleration curve and making it bit faster. We will see. For now it is what it is. XC40 is their most popular model. I do not believe they will neglect it. 2022 will be different with lots of features coming.

 

[B-mtrd]

Volvo released the MVP for the XC40, emphasis on minimum.
Like @XC90_Dinosaur said, it has a lot of potential and I wouldn’t be surprised with a bunch of new features in 2022. VC has to stay relevant mostly because the competition will get steeper next year.

 

[Ed_S]

Engine specifications | Engine specifications | Specifications | XC40 Recharge Pure Electric 2021 | Volvo Support

Engine specifications (output, etc.) for each engine variant are shown in the table below. The specifications for Spe...

www.volvocars.com

Unfortunately this cannot happen with the XC40/C40 platform.

This platform uses two permanent magnet motors, which cannot be turned off during operation. All wheel drive cars that can operate in FWD only will use a permanent motor in the front and an induction motor on the rear that can be turned off.

That's what I initally thought also, but if that's the case then I don't understand how the XC40 coasts with minimal drag from the front/rear motors when not in OPD mode and you take your foot off of the "gas" pedal. Any thoughts on how they reduce motor drag when coasting?

 

[Maribo]

I am wondering the same thing.

 

[DeaneG]

That's what I initally thought also, but if that's the case then I don't understand how the XC40 coasts with minimal drag from the front/rear motors when not in OPD mode and you take your foot off of the "gas" pedal. Any thoughts on how they reduce motor drag when coasting?

Electric motors will spin with little drag if they are disconnected from any voltage or current source. That's what the car does when coasting. OPD mode leaves the motor connected to a current source or sink that is dependent on the position of the accelerator pedal. Press the pedal -> commanded level of current sourced from the battery to the motor -> controlled acceleration torque. Release the pedal -> commanded level of current sink from the motor back into the battery -> controlled deceleration torque.

The big difference between "legacy" driving and OPD is the mapping of accelerator pedal position to motor current. Legacy driving provides zero motor current with accelerator fully released. OPD provides zero motor current with the accelerator somewhat pressed, and negative motor current (regeneration) when fully released.

 

[He Keith]

Tested: 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Leans on Style

Volvo's compact EV crossover dons a sleeker if less practical slope-back form.

www.caranddriver.com

I was just reading this article on the new C40, and I noted an interesting thing in the article. Regarding the buttons on the steering wheel which no longer function since an OTA update moved the Pilot Assist function into the touchscreen, "Jonas Engström, head of strategy and business ownership, tells us functionality for them is on the way."

Also, regarding the new range-extending function we got with the latest update; "We're told that for now it will affect only climate-control operation but it could expand to tweak other systems that siphon energy from the battery."

If this is true, I'm really excited to see what comes with the XC40/C40 (I own the XC40 Recharge) over the coming updates. I know that some people on here like to moan about the half-baked nature of the XC40 EV, but Volvo seems to be doing much more than the other mainstream brands when it comes to significant OTA improvements to the car. Tesla are known for this, of course, but the likes of BMW, Mercedes etc haven't been making OTA improvements to their EVs, instead waiting for model year changes like the 'old days'. Having driving the Mercedes EQC for a week recently, I would take my XC40 over it any day!

While on the surface it sounds good, I suspect much is due to the half-baked premature software,they don’t have a choice other then to get the bugs and missing features pushed out.

 

[Maribo]

So why is it said that the induction motors can be turned off, but not the permanent magnet AC ones?

 

[He Keith]

This may help explain:

Permanent Magnet vs Induction Motor: Torque, Losses, Material

Electric motor design is in demand. What's best for your drivetrain? Let's look at induction vs. permanent magnet motor efficiency, torque, losses, & more:

www.horizontechnology.biz

AC Induction Motors vs. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors - Empowering Pumps and Equipment

What is the difference between an AC induction Motor and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors? Do PM motors offer better energy efficiency?

empoweringpumps.com

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