Hello! Welcome back to Talking Tech with Nolan! After about a month hiatus, we are back and ready to talk about even more tech products!
This first entry back is a product I have a little bit of a soft spot for when it comes to Electric Vehicles (EV). It is, after all, the only EV I have ever driven in my life thus far, the Volvo XC40.
Source: Top Gear
My Drive
This past summer, I was with my dad dropping off the family Volvo sedan at the dealership when we saw the new Volvo XC40 and got to test drive it. When it was my turn to drive it, oh my, it was quite the experience.
First off, we had the one pedal drive setting on. Yes, you heard that right, EVs are commonly one pedal drive meaning every time you release the gas, the car slows and when you are about to release the pedal all the way, the car stops completely. Let’s just say, the car was a little jerky as I got used to the new way to drive, but it was so cool. By the end of the drive, I was already starting to get used this new way of driving and honestly liked it better than two pedal drive.
As for its performance, the car was fast! I took it on the highway; it effortlessly cruised to the speed limit and was egging me on to go even faster. The acceleration was for real too! I could feel the difference in acceleration in this EV versus the Internal Combustion Engine in my Honda Civic!
Overall, it was a fun time, but enough about my drive in it. Let me tell you the specs, how it compares to its competition, and why you should even care about this vehicle.
Source: Carwow
Specs and Comparison
This electric vehicle is centered around simplicity, practically, and ease. It comes with ample passenger and cargo space; perfect for anyone on the go.
The Volvo XC40 comes in at $55,000 with 221 miles of range. Compared to its competition, the Tesla Model Y, the Volvo is $5,000 cheaper, but comes with about 100 miles less range. Now I know this range deficit is difficult to overcome, but there might be a couple of reasons to buy the Volvo over the Tesla.
Source: Auto Express
Tesla’s Shortcomings
First, Tesla’s have had issues with manufacturing defects in the past couple of years including panel gaps on new vehicles not only becoming more common but being on nearly every new vehicle it sells. Additionally, since Tesla is a new car brand, its service network is lacking. To fix a Tesla after an accident can take months on end. Each car has its pros and cons, but before I wrap up today, let me tell you why this Volvo XC40 is so important.
Source: Stark Insider
Volvo is one of the first major car manufacturers to commit to turning all electric. They pledge to be 50% electric by 2025 and 100% electric by 2030. This XC40 is their first step in turning their fleet electric. This vehicle is by no means perfect, but it is an exciting step to an all-Electric future.
In a way, Volvo is the guinea pig when it comes to making its lineup all electric. As the rest of the car manufactures adopt similar electric promises amid climate change concerns, Volvo’s successes and shortfalls are going to be keenly followed and will likely influence how the car world changes forever.
That’s it for today! Come back next week to learn more about the latest in tech.