Dee Madigan Talks About Her Volvo Electric C40 Recharge Twin

Buying a vehicle can be a daunting prospect even for a savvy operator. Buying an EV is even more dazzling as the shopper is bombarded with facts that affect the final choice.

Dee Madigan spoke to us about her EV buying experience.

Dee is a media personality, PR expert, and all-round bad girl not afraid of being direct.

Dee’s family has a second car, albeit a van whose accommodations are more Harley-friendly than posh-frock friendly. This makes Dee’s car an important addition to the family, and its purchase had to fit an extensive set of essential criteria.

Read our Volvo C40 HERE:

Video Review: https://gaycarboys.com/the-volvo-c40-story-a-swedish-happy-ending-full-review/car-reviews-by-brand/volvo-reviews/

Specifications: https://gaycarboys.com/meet-the-new-2022-volvo-c40-recharge-all-electric-hatch/gay-car-news/volvo-news/

What EV was purchased, and why?

A Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric was selected after a rigorous process of wine and Google research.

Like most buyers, the search starts from the comfort of the lounge room and the resulting shortlist is then converted into test drives.

Several others EVs were tested, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Although they cost many shekels, their princely price didn’t match the dreary drive.

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ABOVE: Volvo C40 Recharge

Do you consider yourself tech-savvy?

“Reasonably…” (the loquacious Dee can come over all laconic)

Dee is an early adopter, Apple lover, and adorer of lovely things. To that end, the driver and safety aids have been not only cool and fun, but relaxing and reassuring.

Favourites include active lane control and autonomous emergency braking. The latter also works in reverse, and although examples aplenty could be recalled, none were offered.

Such marvels are complex pieces of advanced technology designed to stop proud owners from unceremoniously rearranging their metal work. More importantly, they prevent errant drivers from mowing down their AirPod adorned teens.

“The steering was odd at first,” Dee added.

Although logging into the car’s Google OS was not “completely easy”, it works well once things were set up.

Reason for buying EV?

“I looked for a while.” She likes to try new things, and the novated lease’s tax savings were a very attractive.

Prior vehicles included conga line Toyota’s go-anywhere Prados. Although the Prados were great cars, they proved to be a handful in town especially when parking.

Would you consider a 2^nd hand EV?

Dee felt reassured by battery warranties. A 2^nd hand EV might be considered as starter for one of the kids.

What EV brands/models are you aware of?

Volvo, Kia, Toyota, Jaguar, BMW and Mercedes.

Tesla didn’t rate a mention until the subject of poor delivery experiences was raised. Tesla is a brand not known for its stellar after-sales service, and many readers have expressed their intentions buy elsewhere next time.

How did you find the purchase process?

“Nice and easy – Volvo 5 dock was brilliant.” “Loved it,” Dee said. “Negotiating was a pleasure, and deciding the colours and final specification was easy.” “Perhaps it was because it was a female sales person”. Many buyers find female sale staff easier to relate to, and at handover, the staff took time to explain some of the features. Dee left the dealer feeling valued.

Readers tell us that sales staff often ignore a woman shopping for a car, asking when the partner will be along to view. Although the shopper repeatedly said she was the future owner, staff insisted on treating the woman like a 1950’s dish-maid. We still have a way to go it would seem.

What did you know about EV ownership prior?

“Nothing.”

Dee considered a hybrid but didn’t like the idea of paying for 2 fuels, so to speak.

PHEV vehicles need both petrol and electricity to function at full efficiency, but regular and mild hybrids only need petrol (or diesel). Hybrids reduce the fuel consumption by capturing and storing energy normally lost in cruising a braking, then releasing it again through a small electric motor.

An EV costs much less to fill, and servicing costs less. After all, most of the items that need servicing are part of the engine and transmission and an EV has neither.

Did you understand changing speeds, battery sizes, range etc prior to ownership?

Range anxiety was in the back of Dee’s mind, but the Volvo C40 has happily made regular Sydney-Canberra mini road trips.

Dee admitted to not knowing a huge amount about battery sizes, maximum DC charging speeds, or the different kinds of public chargers despite the research. This is a common comment made online.

“Having lots of charging apps is a pain,” she added.

TOP TIP: apps will show: DC or AC charging, Max charge rate in kw, the cost p/kwh

AC public charging ranges from 7kw to 22kw, and DC “fast charging” from 50kw to 350kw. Dee’s C40 Recharge Twin is a dual motor 300kw/660Nm Coupe/SUV that has a maximum DC charge rate of 200kw. It will pre-condition the battery if the navigation is used to plot a course to the nearest facility. Pre-conditioning allows for maximum charge rate from the moment the EV is plugged in.

Dee has home charging available, but didn’t think the home wall charger was worth installing. Instead, she uses the 240V cable that came with the car to plug directly into the power socket.

The 78kwh battery is normally charged to 80% unless a longer trip is on the cards. (Overnight charges satisfy daily driving requirements)

What has your EV been like to live with?

“I’ve never enjoyed driving a car more. I was a bit of a nervous driver, but the Volvo makes me feel confident.”

Dee loves the 1 pedal driving, the Google OS, and the keyless entry and start.

Most EVs have a normal 3-prong household socket or two (Vehicle to load VTL). These can be used for electronics when out and about, or to run essential household appliances like fridges during power outages. Some EVs will also connect to the network to become part of a larger power storage solution (vehicle to grid VTG). The network would pay owners to use their battery, in other words, you car would make money for you when it would normally be doing nothing.

Are you concerned about your battery life?

Although she accepted something “might happen” to the battery, the lease protects owners. The also battery has an 8-year warranty separate to the usual vehicle warranty.

Have you thought about the disposal of the battery?

“No.”

Most drivers probably won’t think about the battery after the car is resold or scrapped, but EV batteries can have a second life as home storage or as part of mega-batteries.

To prolong the life of your battery, charge to 80% unless you need the range.

TOP TIP: AC charging also extends the battery life, whereas constant fast DC charging to 100% is more likely to reduce battery life. (NOTE: AC charging is the type you have at home and at some public outlets)

Are you aware of your battery warranty conditions?

“No, I’ve not considered it.” The C40 has an 8-year warranty. Battery health is regularly checked in person at the service centre or by over the air update services. If the battery falls below a preset performance figure, usually 70%, it is replaced free of charge.

Final thoughts?

“I am an absolute convert; I have never loved a car more.” Dee’s car wears many coats; a work vehicle, family car, mum’s taxi, and pleasure palace, but like most EV drivers, one thing is sure; Dee will never go back lining up at a petrol station.

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