The Volvo EX40 (formerly known as XC40 Recharge) represents Volvo’s commitment to electric vehicle safety excellence. As the Swedish brand’s compact electric SUV, the EX40 combines traditional Volvo safety heritage with cutting-edge electric vehicle protection systems.
Volvo EX40 Euro NCAP Safety Rating
The Volvo EX40 is awarded 5 Star (Euro NCAP) star NCAP rating, maintaining Volvo’s reputation for exceptional safety performance. The regular XC40 received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests, with a 97% score for adult occupant protection and 87% for child protection, and the EX40 inherits this same safety foundation.
Euro NCAP Breakdown:
- Adult Occupant Protection: 97%
- Child Occupant Protection: 87%
- Pedestrian Protection: Strong performance
- Safety Assist: Comprehensive suite included
Standard Safety Features on Volvo EX40
The EX40 comes equipped with Volvo’s comprehensive safety technology as standard equipment:
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection · Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist · Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Collision Avoidance Technology:
- City Safety: Volvo City Safety is standard equipment on the XC40. This autonomous emergency braking system performed well, avoiding collisions in all test scenarios of typical city driving
- Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection: Automatically detects and brakes for pedestrians and cyclists
- Large Animal Detection: Helping you avoid collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and large animals
Lane Safety Technology
- Lane Departure Warning: Alerts when unintentionally leaving your lane
- Lane Keeping Assist: Stay safely in your lane with built-in support
- Road Edge Detection: Prevents running off the road
Adaptive Cruise Control & Semi-Autonomous Driving
The EX40’s adaptive cruise control system includes:
- Traffic jam assist functionality
- Stop-and-go capability in heavy traffic
- Maintains safe following distance automatically
- Speed adaptation based on traffic conditions
Comprehensive Monitoring Systems
Blind Spot & Cross Traffic Safety
Volvo equips the EX40 with many standard active safety features, including lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Monitors blind spots with radar
- Cross Traffic Alert: Reverse with confidence supported by a cross traffic alert
- Rear Collision Warning: Alerts to approaching vehicles when reversing
360-Degree Parking Assistance
Park more confidently with a 360° view of your EX40. Four cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors combine to give you a complete picture of your SUV to increase the visibility of objects outside your car
Parking Safety Features:
- Four surround-view cameras
- 12 ultrasonic parking sensors
- Automatic parking assist
- Park assist pilot for parallel and perpendicular parking
Structural Safety & Crash Protection
High-Strength Steel Construction
The EX40 utilizes Volvo’s advanced safety cage design:
- Ultra-high-strength steel framework: Maximum occupant protection
- Crumple zones: Engineered to absorb impact energy
- Reinforced A-pillars: Enhanced rollover protection
Airbag System in Volvo EX40
Comprehensive airbag protection includes:
- Dual-stage front airbags
- Side-impact airbags for front seats
- Full-length curtain airbags
- Knee airbag for driver protection
The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury
Electric Vehicle Specific Safety Features
Battery Protection Systems
The EX40 includes specialized EV safety technology:
- Reinforced battery protection: Guards against impact damage
- Thermal management system: Prevents battery overheating
- Automatic disconnect: Cuts power in case of collision
- Emergency response protocols: Assists first responders
Low Center of Gravity Advantage
Electric SUVs like the EX40 benefit from:
- Battery placement in floor creates lower center of gravity
- Improved stability and reduced rollover risk
- Better handling characteristics for emergency maneuvers
Child Safety Excellence
For installing child safety seats, there are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the EX40’s rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat
Child Safety Features:
- ISOFIX mounting points for child seats
- Integrated booster cushions (where available)
- Child safety locks on rear doors
- Protection of both the 6 year and 10 year dummies was good in both the frontal offset and side barrier tests
Driver Assistance & Safety Technology
Pilot Assist Semi-Autonomous System
The EC40 from Volvo provides good Vehicle Assistance with a similar level of Driver Engagement. Combined with a high level safety back-up, the system, overall, offers Good performance in Euro NCAP testing.
Pilot Assist Features:
- Lane centering at highway speeds
- Adaptive cruise control integration
- Traffic jam assistance
- Driver attention monitoring
Additional Safety Technologies
- Run-off Road Protection: Detects potential road departures
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation: Prevents head-on collisions
- Driver Alert Control: Monitors driver fatigue
- Speed Limit Information: Displays current speed limits
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Real-World Safety Performance
Crash Test Results
The driver’s space was maintained well, and risk of injuries to the dummy’s legs and feet was low in IIHS testing, demonstrating the EX40’s structural integrity.
Safety Performance Highlights:
- Excellent occupant protection in frontal crashes
- Strong side-impact protection
- Good whiplash protection in rear impacts
- Effective pedestrian protection systems
Volvo EX40 vs Competitors Safety Comparison
EX40 Safety Advantages:
- Standard comprehensive safety suite
- 5-star Euro NCAP rating
- Advanced pedestrian/cyclist detection
- Proven Volvo safety heritage
Key Differentiators:
- More safety features standard than many competitors
- Superior crash test performance
- Advanced semi-autonomous driving capabilities
- Comprehensive child safety systems
Safety Maintenance Tips
Keeping Your EX40 Safe:
- Regular software updates: Ensure latest safety system calibrations
- Camera cleaning: Keep sensors and cameras clear for optimal performance
- Tire maintenance: Proper inflation affects stability systems
- Professional servicing: Use Volvo-certified technicians for safety system checks
Conclusion: EX40 Safety Excellence
The Volvo EX40 maintains the brand’s legendary safety reputation while adding electric vehicle-specific protections. With its 5-star Euro NCAP rating, comprehensive standard safety features, and advanced driver assistance systems, the EX40 represents one of the safest compact electric SUVs available today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Euro NCAP safety rating of the Volvo EX40?
The Volvo EX40 is awarded 5 Star (Euro NCAP) star NCAP rating, achieving excellent scores across all categories. The EX40 scored 97% for adult occupant protection and 87% for child occupant protection, making it one of the safest compact electric SUVs in its class.
2. Are safety features standard on all EX40 models or optional?
Most advanced safety features come standard on the Volvo EX40, including automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. This comprehensive standard safety equipment sets the EX40 apart from many competitors that charge extra for similar features.
3. How does the EX40’s electric drivetrain affect safety?
The EX40’s electric design actually enhances safety through a lower center of gravity (due to floor-mounted batteries), improved stability, and specialized battery protection systems. The vehicle includes automatic power disconnect in crashes and reinforced battery protection to prevent fire risks.
4. Is the Volvo EX40 safe for families with children?
Yes, the EX40 excels in child safety with Euro NCAP child occupant protection score of 87%. It includes complete LATCH connector sets for rear outboard seats, tether anchors, and child safety door locks. The spacious interior and high seating position also provide good visibility for child supervision.
5. How does EX40 safety compare to other electric SUVs?
The EX40’s 5-star Euro NCAP rating and comprehensive standard safety suite place it among the safest electric SUVs available. Its combination of proven Volvo safety engineering, advanced driver assistance systems, and EV-specific safety features often exceeds what competitors offer as standard equipment.
