A glitch in the software is causing a setback in Volvo’s introduction of their premier electric car, the XC40 Recharge SUV. Reports from The Verge reveal that the new XC40 Recharge SUVs are currently stuck at U.S. ports because they were shipped without the essential Volvo On Call software being activated. Volvo intends to update the software for the XC40 Recharge before dispatching the SUVs to customers and dealers.
Volvo On Call is a subscription service that enables owners to access diagnostic information, control the vehicle’s power, and lock/unlock its doors all through their smartphones. Regrettably, this signifies that customers who have already placed orders for an XC40 Recharge might face lengthy delays before receiving their new automobiles.
Volvo
An email from Volvo customer service, as mentioned by The Verge, highlighted:
“[Y]our Recharge has arrived at Port Newark. However, at this time delivery of your XC40 Recharge will be delayed due to the Volvo On Call system not yet being functional due to a software issue. We are awaiting word from Volvo Sweden on final updates for the cars in the ports.”
This email was sent in mid-February, and the wait persists. A customer informed The Verge that his XC40 Recharge was scheduled for arrival at the end of February, but the dealership now anticipates it to remain at the Newark, N.J., port until mid-April. Various Volvo owners have shared their concerns on the XC40 Forums regarding their XC40 Recharges being stalled at ports in California, New York, and Maryland.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge is among several cars that rely on over-the-air software updates for occasional enhancements and updates. Its initial over-the-air update occurred at the end of the previous month, providing existing XC40 Recharges with a critical update to its primary electronics system’s core software, range adjustments, and a fix for a safety issue related to propulsion.
When pushed for details, a Volvo representative did not provide specific comments, as reported by The Verge, but mentioned that the overall rollout was mostly on track.
“The timing of U.S. customer deliveries of XC40 Recharge has not changed from the original schedule of Q1 2021,” stated Russell Datz, the National Media Relations Manager for Volvo Car USA, in an email to The Verge. Datz also declined to comment on whether the recent over-the-air update for the XC40 Recharge was linked to the issue causing several XC40 Recharges to be stuck at ports.
However, the XC40 Recharge is not the only new vehicle facing problems with connected services. As per The Verge, the Volkswagen ID.3 was released with incomplete software after experiencing other production delays. More recently, Kia’s connected services encountered disruptions, leaving owners unable to start their vehicles remotely or handle payments during a severe winter weather event.
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