Charging the high-voltage battery

Updated 2021-10-04

The vehicle is equipped with a rechargeable high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

The vehicle can be charged via a charging station. The charging station may be equipped with either a charging cable or with a socket where a mode 3 charging cable can be plugged in.

The vehicle can also be charged via a 120/240 V outlet using a mode 2 charging cable.

Important

High amperage is required to charge an electric vehicle. Before starting charging, make sure that the wall outlet's fuse can handle the amperage specified for the charging cable. Contact a professional if you are unsure.

Rapid charging

The vehicle supports rapid charging with direct current (DC) at charging stations supporting the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard. Charging with direct current usually enables higher charging output and thereby shorter charging times. The highest charging output is normally achieved when the charge level of the battery is 0-30%, after which the charging output gradually decreases.

Warning

California Proposition 65

Operating, servicing and maintaining a passenger vehicle can expose you to chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine except as necessary, service your vehicle in a well ventilated area and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.

Note

Volvo recommends a charging cable according to SAE J1772 that supports temperature monitoring.

Warning

The electrical system in your vehicle uses high-voltage electrical current. Any damage to this system or to the high-voltage battery may result in the danger of overheating, fire, or serious injury. If the vehicle is involved in a collision or subjected to flooding, fire, etc., have it inspected by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician. Prior to this inspection, the vehicle should be parked outdoors at a safe distance from any building or potentially flammable materials.

The high-voltage battery's charging time depends on the charging output used.

Note

The capacity of the high-voltage battery decreases somewhat with age and use.

Warning

If the high-voltage battery needs to be replaced, this may only be done by Volvo retailer or authorized Volvo workshop.

Charging cable handle and charging socket

P6-2037-XC40 BEV - Charging US/Korea — Charging cable handle and charging socket.

Charging status is indicated in the following ways:

indicator on the charging cable's control module
indicator light in the vehicle's charging socket.
images and text in the instrument panel.

The vehicle cannot be driven while it is being charged.

The high-voltage battery may have reduced performance if the temperature in the battery is too low or too high.

Important

Leaving the vehicle for prolonged periods at temperatures under –10 °C (14 °F) or over 40 °C (104 °F) may reduce the performance of the high-voltage battery. Charging the vehicle can help prevent the battery from becoming too hot or too cold.