2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Drive modes
Brake assistance when stationary
- Brake assist can be automatically activated to hold the car stationary in certain situations.
- Brake assist is available even when braking when stationary (Hold) is deactivated.
Brake assist is activated:
- When stationary if gear position D or R is selected and the car is at risk of starting to move in the opposite direction to the selected direction of travel
- When stationary if creep mode is deactivated
Brake assist is deactivated:
- When gearing position D or R is selected and the driver depresses the accelerator pedal
- When the driver selects gear position N
The parking brake is activated automatically
- if the car is switched off.
- when the driver unbuckles the seatbelt and/or opens the driver’s door.
- if the function Hold (brake when stationary) is activated and the car has been stationary for a while (approx. 5–10 minutes).
Braking on gritted roads
- Brake now and again to remove any layer of salt. Make sure that other road users are not put at risk by the braking.
- Gently depress the brake pedal after finishing driving and before starting your next trip.
Braking on wet roads
- When driving for a prolonged period of time in heavy rain without braking, the braking effect may be delayed slightly when next using the brakes.
- This may also be the case after a car wash. It is then necessary to depress the brake pedal more forcefully. You should therefore maintain a greater distance to the vehicles in front.
- Brake the car firmly after driving on wet roads or using a car wash. This warms up the brake discs, enabling them to dry faster and protecting them against corrosion. Bear in mind the current traffic situation when braking.
Parking on a hill
If the car is parked facing uphill:
- Turn the wheels away from the curb.
If the car is parked facing downhill:
- Turn the wheels towards the curb.
Range
Range in the driver display
When the car is delivered from the factory, or after a factory reset, the range is based on the certified value. When the car has been driven for a while, the range is based on historical driving patterns.
The amount of history used depends on the battery’s state of charge. Therefore, the less charge there is in the battery, the faster the range adapts to a changed driving pattern. The estimated range is shown in the driver display when it is less than 50 km (30 miles).
Factors that affect the range
In addition to historical trip data, there are several different factors that affect the range. The longest range is achieved under extremely favourable conditions when all factors have a positive impact.
Examples of factors that affect the range:
- speed
- climate settings
- topography
- preconditioning
- tyres and tyre pressure
- traffic situation
- temperature and weather
- road conditions.
Range in cold temperatures
In cold ambient temperatures, there is a risk that the battery will become too cold, which has a negative effect on the range. This symbol is shown in the driver display if the battery temperature falls to a critically low level. If the car is parked in cold ambient temperatures there is a risk that the range will be reduced dramatically. To avoid substantially reduced range after parking in cold ambient temperatures, the car should be charged while it is parked.
Range-based on speed and outside temperature
- 20 °C (68 °F) outside temperature and passenger compartment climate Off.
- 20 °C (68 °F) outside temperature and passenger compartment climate On.
- 35 °C (95 °F) outside temperature and passenger compartment climate On.
- -10 °C (14 °F) outside temperature and passenger compartment climate On.
The graph shows the approximate relationship between constant speed and range, where a lower constant speed has a positive effect on range. A higher outside temperature and deactivated climate control are also more beneficial for the range.
Economical driving
Before driving
- Precondition the car before driving if possible using the charging cable connected to the mains power circuit.
- If preconditioning is not possible when it is cold outside, use seat heating and steering wheel heating first of all. Avoid warming up the whole of the interior which takes energy from the battery.
- Choice of tyres and tyre pressure can affect energy consumption – seek advice on suitable tyres from an authorised Volvo workshop.
- Remove unnecessary items from the car – the greater the load the higher the consumption.
While driving
- Drive at a steady speed and keep a good distance to other vehicles and objects in order to avoid braking.
- When braking, the battery is recharged by:
- braking gently using the brake pedal.
- release the accelerator pedal and make sure that regenerative braking is activated.
- High speed results in increased energy consumption since the wind resistance increases with speed.
- In a cold climate, reduce electrical heating of windows, mirrors, seats and steering wheel, if possible.
- Avoid driving with open windows.
- Do not hold the car stationary on a hill with the accelerator pedal. Instead, activate the function for braking when stationary.
- If possible, deactivate the climate control while driving a short distance after preconditioning.
After driving
- If possible, park in an acclimated garage with charging facilities.
Range assistant
Speed
Driving style
Climate control
Each icon has a gauge that indicates current energy usage. When the gauge changes colour from blue to orange the driver should review his/her energy usage in order to adopt more economical driving behaviour.
Optimising range
The range optimisation function adjusts the climate settings in order to save energy and therefore extend the range of the car.
Activate or deactivate range optimisation via the centre display
Press 
.
Select Range assistant.
Activating or deactivating range optimisation.
Range optimisation is automatically deactivated at 50% or higher State Of Charge (SOC).
Note
- In cold ambient temperatures, the output of the heater is reduced. If the climate feels too cold, deactivate range optimisation.
- In hot ambient temperatures, cooling is limited. If the climate feels too hot, deactivate range optimisation.
- Problems with misting may occur since the AC function that adjusts humidity is limited.
- Since the AC function is limited, air recirculation increases, which may lead to a less comfortable feeling of air quality, especially in the rear seat.
Preparations for a long trip
Check that
- braking effect on braking works as intended
- the tyres have sufficient tread depth and pressure. Change to winter tyres when driving to areas where there is a risk of snowy or icy road surfaces
- battery charging is good
- the wiper blades are in good condition
- a warning triangle and high-visibility vest are located in the car – legally required in certain countries
Driving in water
While driving in water
Observe the following to prevent damage to the car when driving through water:
- The car can be driven through the water to a maximum depth of 45 cm (17 inches).
- Do not drive faster than the walking pace.
- Do not stop the car in the water. Drive forward carefully or reverse the car back out of the water.
- Extra caution should be exercised when passing through flowing water.
- Do not let the car stand with water over the sills for any long period of time – this could cause electrical malfunctions.
After driving in water
When the water has been passed, depress the brake pedal lightly and check that full brake function is achieved. Water and mud for example can make the brake linings wet resulting in delayed brake function.
If necessary, clean the contacts for the electric heater and trailer coupling after driving in water and mud.
Winter driving
Check the following in particular before a cold season:
- The condition of the battery and its charge level must be inspected. Cold weather places higher demands on the battery and its capacity is reduced by the cold.
- Use washer fluid with antifreeze to avoid ice forming in the washer fluid reservoir.
Slippery driving conditions
Volvo recommends that One Pedal Drive is deactivated while driving in slippery or icy conditions.
To achieve optimum road-holding Volvo recommends using winter tyres on all wheels if there is a risk of snow or ice.
Note
- The use of winter tyres is a legal requirement in certain countries. Studded tyres are not permitted in all countries.
- Practise driving on slippery surfaces under controlled conditions to learn how the car reacts.