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Volvo C40 Recharge V/S The Elements

Asking the important questions about climate change through a journey across the nation, from the driest spot to the wettest, in a stunningly capable all-electric Volvo.

Published On Oct 21, 2024 05:17:00 PM

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Sure, we read about it almost on a daily basis; it’s a phrase that’s now entrenched in the reality we find ourselves in. But is climate change a distinctly tangible phenomenon? It’s hard to keep turning a blind eye to the changing climate patterns and increasingly more frequent extreme weather events. Surely we’ve reached a point where the question hanging over us isn’t if climate change is real, but what we can do about it. And as far as the average Joe is concerned, one of the biggest things they can do about it is switching to a zero-emissions vehicle. In other words, an electric car. And when you think about it, they have so many advantages beyond just being environmentally friendly. They’re quieter and smoother, can be packaged more efficiently and function more intelligently. All traits that are embodied flawlessly by the Volvo C40 Recharge that would be our steed for this journey.

The Game Plan

The backdrop against which it would all kick off would be the mesmerising sand dunes of Jaisalmer, chosen not only for their visual brilliance but also because this is officially the driest spot in the country – the place that receives the least rainfall. Our destination? The polar opposite. Geographically and otherwise. We’d go from the Western frontier all the way East to Meghalaya, specifically Mawsynram, which is officially the wettest spot in the country, receiving the highest annual rainfall. A route that would see us cross the heart of the country, starting from stark desert, into the barren plains of central India, and finally rising into the lush green hills and mountains of the Northeast.

Architecture was one of the many things that transformed over our journey, along with weather, landscapes, attire and food, to name a few.

And right from the off, we had the first answer to our question. If encountering heavy rain showers and waterlogging in what’s supposed to be the driest spot in the country doesn’t tell you that climate change is real, then we don’t know what can. And so, in the middle of the Thar desert, the C40 Recharge’s automatic wipers were called upon, though briefly. Once they passed, we could finally admire the auburn Volvo parked against the rusty dunes of Jaisalmer, before setting off towards the national capital. And it was a rather comfortable and relaxing journey, for a number of reasons. For one, Rajasthan’s excellent creamy smooth highways meant it was easy going, with the car just gliding along at triple-digit speeds. The cabin also made for a rather plush place to be, cocooning us in comfort, and, this being a Volvo, also safety. Enveloped by 7 airbags and supported by a host of driver assistance systems (many of which have been pioneered by Volvo), it was easy to kick back and relax in the completely leather-free interiors of the C40 Recharge. In fact, the brand has really gone above and beyond with thoughtfulness on this car – it isn’t just green by virtue of its zero-emissions propulsion, even the cabin upholstery and carpets are made from recycled materials (without any compromise on the feeling of luxury, we might add). The biggest peace of mind, though, came from the sizeable 78kW lithium-ion battery pack that serves up a healthy 530km of claimed range on a full charge, rendering range anxiety completely non-existent. Embedded in the centre of the car’s structure inside what Volvo calls a ‘safety cage’, the battery pack is protected against all sorts of collisions, ensuring complete safety. With all these factors quelling the doubts in our minds, we noiselessly wafted Eastward.

With a little bit of planning, charging is a non-issue.

Reversing Into A Detour

Our first major stop came in Ghaziabad, just outside New Delhi. And if you’re familiar with our highway network, then you might have realised that this doesn’t fall on the most direct path from Jaisalmer to Mawsynram. But as you’re about to find out, there was a very good reason for our detour. You see, Ghaziabad is home to the Volvo Reverse Project. No, this isn’t a test track where they race their cars backwards. It’s a large plot of land spanning many hectares that, until quite recently, was used as a dumping ground. That is, until Volvo swooped in and decided to paint it with a green brush called reforestation. Today, it’s home to 10,000 trees that have been planted here by the company, with more continuing to be added with each passing day. In fact, just by doing this road trip, we were contributing to the cause, because for every 5,000km covered in a Volvo EV, the brand will plant 4 trees here. It’s all part of the company’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2040 – something that it’s well on its way to achieving.

Adding to the 10,000 trees planted at the Volvo Reverse Project was a proud moment.

Refreshed by this knowledge, we carried on our way, happy to unleash the car’s 408hp and 660Nm on the vast expanses of the Yamuna Expressway knowing that it would only result in the forest getting bigger and bigger. By this point, we were approaching the halfway mark on our epic 3,000km journey, and no matter how big a battery pack or fuel tank your car may have, you’re not going to be able to do that sort of distance without topping up. Happily, though, charging infrastructure across the nation is growing at a blistering pace, and especially on major national highways, you’re never too far away from a charger (a Volvo dealership is always a safe bet). And more and more often, these are now DC fast chargers, meaning that combined with the C40 Recharge’s fast-charging capability, a 150kW top-up can add as much as 100km of range in just 10 minutes.

Future meets past in old-world Lucknow, as we rendezvous with a vintage Volvo Amazon.

If you think about it, an EV can actually work out to be even more convenient than a petrol-powered car. We simply plugged in the C40 Recharge overnight at the hotel on most nights and woke up to a full range readout each morning, whereas in an ICE vehicle, we’d have to go hunting for a petrol pump every day or two.

A thought-provoking contrast between one of the wonders of the world, and the modern marvel that is the Volvo C40 Recharge.

Mission Accomplished

And before we knew it, the sandy expanses of Jaisalmer had made way for rolling hills covered in greenery, with the lovely aroma of tea floating in the air as we silently glided across plantations and into the heart of the Northeast. As we plunged deeper into stunning Meghalaya, the car continued to run flawlessly, but there was one thing conspicuously absent. The rain!

Our welcome into the wetlands of the Northeast comprised rain showers and the lovely aroma of tea wafting through the air.

Sure, we got the occasional heavy downpour, which the C40 Recharge shrugged off effortlessly. But for what’s supposed to be the wettest spot in the country, the rainfall in the middle of the monsoon was alarmingly infrequent. Which we think unequivocally answers the question we asked at the onset. Downpours and flooding in Jaisalmer, and only the occasional shower in Meghalaya?

The lack of rain in the wettest spot in the country was alarming, to say the least.

Let there be no doubt that climate change is a reality we must face (and tackle) today. As for us, we were happy to have ended up in this little slice of paradise without having emitted any emissions and without having contributed any further to climate change. And for you, let this drive serve to inspire. Not only to switch over to zero-emission mobility, but to do your bit to help reverse the damage that’s been done. Until then, just know that when you’re ready, there’s a pure electric Volvo waiting for you.