Electric Volvo is faster than petrol rivals

The Volvo XC40 shows that electric SUVs can be as fast as premium gasoline-powered models, according to performance in the Folha-Mauá test. Hybrid or 100% electric models stood out in the 2022 edition of Ranking-Folha, which evaluated 81 cars in 15 categories.

In the resumption measurement (80 km/h to 120 km/h), the model recorded the best result among all the SUVs tested, including gasoline-powered competitors. The C40 T8, which shares a platform with the XC40, was the most economical in urban use.

The Audi eTron RS Sportback also excelled in performance and energy consumption tests. It was the most efficient on the road and the fastest in the race from zero to 100 km/h.

The winners also stand out for their autonomy. The brands claim that their electric cars can run about 400 km on a full charge of their batteries.

How tests are done

To measure the performance of cars, the IMT (Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia) uses the V-Box, equipment that uses a GPS signal.

The acceleration and resumption tests are carried out on the ZF company track, in Limeira (São Paulo countryside).

The stage that checks consumption in the city is 27 km long. To simulate a road trip at 90 km/h, engineers drive for 31 km. Both routes are in São Caetano do Sul (ABC), where the institute’s headquarters are located.

If the car is flex-fuel, two measurements are made: one with ethanol, the other with gasoline.

The consumption of electric models is measured through the charger installed in the IMT. The test calculates the cost to run 100 km in urban and road modes.