Volvo's EC40 shows the Swedish brand really getting into gear with its EVs. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Volvo knows it needs more SUVs. And it needs more electric vehicles. This EC40 model, originally known as the C40 Recharge, delivers both in one package and shows clearly the direction the brand is heading in the future. There's a base rear-driven version. And a state-of-the-art fully-electric all-wheel-drive powertrain that offers a WLTP-rated range of 274 miles on a single charge and an output of 408hp. The drawback is premium pricing but otherwise, a lot of boxes seem to have been ticked here.

Background

Given that Volvo's been making overt noises about full electrification for a decade now, it's something of a surprise to realise that at its launch in 2022, the model we're looking at here introduced the company's very first exclusively electric model line. Back then, it was called the C40 Recharge, a car substantially updated in 2023, then renamed the EC40 in early 2024. As you might expect, the EC40 borrows everything that matters from Volvo's very first all-electric model, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric (now known as the EX40). But clothes that powertrain with more unique styling and a more swept-back coupe-style silhouette. Think of the two models as something akin to what Audi already offers in this segment with its Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron SUVs and you'll be somewhere close to what Volvo is trying to do here. Like the EX40, the EC40 will be sold primarily online. And, as with that car, it rolls down the production lines of Volvo's Belgium factory in Ghent.

Driving Experience

As with the EX40, there are three flavours of EC40 on offer. Most customers will opt for the 69kWh 'Single Motor' version, which was once (in this car's original C40 Recharge form) front-driven, but the Swedish maker's now moved the e-motor to the rear axle and slightly uprated its output to 238hp. Without any real impact on performance - rest to 62mph is dispatched in 7.3s on the way to the 112mph top speed that all Volvos these days share. EV driving range is WLTP-rated at up to 299 miles (four miles further than the equivalent base EX40). Ideally though, you'd want to stretch at least as far as the mid-level 'Single Motor 'Extended Range' mid-level rear-driven model we tried, which has 252hp and uses a larger 82kWh battery providing for a 360 mile range (2 miles further than its EX40 equivalent). The faster EC40 alternative is the 'Twin Motor' AWD variant, which uses a larger 82kWh battery pack and twin electric motor set-up that has adopted different front and rear e-motors, with 150hp and 258hp respectively. These provide for a prodigious 408hp total power output figure in the standard Twin Motor model, but if for some unfathomable reason that's not enough, you can boost it further to 442hp with the optional 'Performance' software upgrade that comes included with the two added 'Black Edition' trim grades; this upgrade was one of the few changes introduced as part of this design's transition to 'EC40' status. Even with a standard Twin Motor EC40 variant, performance is startling, a massive 670Nm of torque (at which point the main motor is spinning at a heady 14,000rpm), catapulting the car to 62mph in just 4.7s. EV range with a Twin Motor EC40 is up to 340 miles (8 miles further than the equivalent EX40), with a 337 mile figure claimed for the Twin Motor Performance version. Whatever kind of EC40 you choose, to get the kind of range figure that Volvo claims, you'll need to engage what the Swedish maker calls 'One Pedal Drive', selectable from the 'Driving' menu provided on this centre-dash screen. This dramatically increases the regenerative braking effect when you come off the throttle, to the point where the brake pedal will hardly ever be needed.

Design and Build

Though the EC40 is created from the building blocks of its EX40 showroom stablemate, Volvo wanted to add in some extra athleticism and lightness to the silhouette, as well as some appealing extra details. So there's a sleek profile and a set of emblematic segmented vertical rear lights. Up-front, the signature Thor's hammer headlights are augmented with neat pixel LEDs which automatically adjust to light conditions and switch on and off independently to optimise the light pattern. As usual with coupe-style SUVs, there are really big wheels. Inside, the design is all about light and freedom of space. Which is why there's lots of glass and a big panoramic roof that enhances the airiness of the cabin. The interior features a signature 'Fjord Blue' colouring for the large swathes carpet that extend up from the floor to the sides of the centre console and the front doors. The dashboard and the front door panels feature backlit translucent graphics with a smart atmospheric three-dimensional effect. The EC40 delivers Volvo's first leather-free interior, the main upholstery option containing naturally renewable wool fibres; the alternative uses a combination of suede textile (made of recycled plastic) and microtech material. There's plenty of room for two adults at the back - though it would be a squash with three. And the boot capacity is the same as that of the EX40, rated at 404-litres to the glassline. Plus there's an extra 'frunk' area beneath the bonnet for the storage of charging cables, offering an additional 31-litres of capacity.

Market and Model

The EC40 comes with a choice of single or dual-motor powertrains and a choice of either 'Plus' or 'Ultra' levels of trim. Prices start from around £52,500 for the base 69kWh Single Motor rear-driven version, while the rear-driven 82kWh Single Motor Extended Range variant costs from around £54,500. The 82kWh Twin Motor model costs from just under £58,000. Primarily, ordering will be online, though you can do that from a dealer showroom if you'd prefer to have someone guide you through the process. Rather than buying outright, the brand expects most customers to use its 'Care by Volvo' subscription options - there two, both with no deposit and both including servicing and maintenance. There's a 'Flexible' contract, which includes a 30 day trial period at the beginning and requires three month's notice before contract end. Or you can take out a subscription-based contract with a fixed 36 month tariff. The standard subscription rate gives you 6,000 annual miles and customers can top up their limit at the rate of £15 a month for each additional 2000 mile block, up to 10,000 miles, and then add £10 extra on top for the maximum limit of 12,000 miles. Whichever trim level you decide upon, there's plenty of equipment included - as you'd hope given the figures being asked here. Tick off automatic LED headlights with active high beam, high gloss black roof rails, rear parking sensors, a powered tailgate and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, across the range there's 2-Zone climate control, a 12.3-litre 'Progressive Driver Display' instrument cluster screen, a wireless 'phone charger and heated front seats with lumbar support. Media stuff's taken care of by a 9-inch Centre Console Portrait Touch Screen with navigation, a 250-watt 8-speaker DAB audio system, voice recognition, wired 'Apple CarPlay' and four years' use of Google Automotive Services.

Cost of Ownership

We've already given you this EC40 model's operating range in our 'Driving Experience' section; a maximum of 299 miles for the base Single Motor model, up to 360 miles for the Single Motor Extended Range variant and up to 340 miles for the Twin Motor version. Across the range, Volvo claims an electrical consumption figure of between 3.6-3.8 miles-per-kWh. All these figures position this car competitively in its segment, but they're still some way from being up with the class-leaders; thank this Swedish contender's portly kerb weight (around 2-tonnes) for that. Even to achieve this Volvo's stated figure, you're going to need to make a lot of use of the 'One Pedal Drive' feature that maximises regenerative braking. Still, at least charging times are competitive. The base Single Motor model DC charges at up to 135kW and the Single Motor Extended Range version DC charges at up to 155kW, meaning a 10-80% public DC charge now requires 33 minutes. The top Twin Motor version DC charges at up to 205kW, which reduces the 10-80% DC charge time to 28 minutes. As for AC charging from home, well with a typical single-phase 7.4kW garage wallbox, for a full charge you'd need 11 hours with the base 69kWh battery, 12 hours with the mid-level 82kWh battery and 13 hours with the Twin Motor version's 82kWh battery. You could reduce these durations to around 8 hours with a faster 3-phase 11kW supply. There are of course, lots of taxation advantages in running an EV. With this one, as with its main rivals, you'll be rated at just 3% for BiK Benefit-in-Kind taxation until this is reviewed in 2026.

Summary

This model, in the company's own words, is 'the future of Volvo'. Over 75% of the cars the company sells these days are SUVs. In future, 100% of them will be EVs. But not yet. And certainly not at the kind of prices the Swedish maker is asking for this EC40 in its current forms. For the time being, you can't help but feel that many of those who choose an EC40 are people who would have also been quite satisfied with the EX40 crossover model it's based on. Volvo talks of the need for the kind of younger demographic who'll presumably find the EC40's more coupe-style looks appealing. But then adds that it expects older folk to like it too. Ultimately, no one is quite sure how precisely the EV market is going to develop. But Volvo is keen to make sure all the bases are covered.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Front intermittent wipers

Front and rear electric windows

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Brakes

Hill start assist

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist

Stability and traction control includes spin control and corner traction control

Hill descent control - Off-road drive mode

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Touring chassis

Electric rear axle drive

Communication

Wireless/Inductive Mobile Phone Charging

Bluetooth handsfree system

Volvo on call with charge station locations and route planning and pre climatisation

Wired Android Auto

Wired Apple CarPlay

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Speed sensitive steering

Front park assist

Adjustable steering wheel force

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Pilot assist

Driver alert control with lane keeping aid

Intelligent speed assistance

Rear park assist sensors

Driver Convenience

Emergency services call system

Handsfree tailgate opening/closing

Driver Information

9" centre console touch screen

12.3" Progressive Driver Display

Google automotive services - Enabled entertainment apps, navigation with google maps, voice recognition with google assistant

Volvo cars services with app

Blind spot info sys with steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake, rear collision warn, mitigation and auto dimming exterior rear view mirror

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming interior mirror

Electric adjustable/heated/auto folding door mirrors

Engine

Lithium-ion battery

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Steering wheel remote infotainment controls

Low speed exterior sound speaker

Exterior Body Features

Roof antenna

High gloss black window trim

Visible VIN plate

Integrated roof rails in black

Colour co-ordinated front grille and surround

Rear side wing doors

High gloss black front bumper deco

High gloss black rear skid plate

Front metal tread plates engraved with EC40

High gloss black tailgate spoiler

Fixed panoramic sunroof with high gloss black rear roof panel

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlamp levelling

Home safe and approach lighting

Puddle lights

LED front fog lamps

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

Automatic LED Headlights + Active high beam incorporating daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone electronic climate control with Clean zone air quality system and pollen filter

Heat pump (Enhanced cabin heating and cooling efficiency with optimal vehicle range)

Interior Features

Sports steering wheel

Rear coat hook

Load cover

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Rear armrest with cupholder

Load protection net

Flexible load floor and grocery bag holder

Charcoal headlining

12V socket in front tunnel console

Glovebox bag hook

Centre console cupholders and storage

Underfloor cargo storage

Front load compartment (31 litres)

3 Spoke tailored steering wheel with chrome trim

Integrated waste bin

One pedal drive mode

Bright metal luggage scuff plate

Connect suede textile/microtech upholstery

Front door pocket illumination

High gloss black centre tunnel deco

Interior Lights

Illuminated glovebox

Front footwell illumination

Illuminated luggage compartment

Illuminated tailgate

Front and rear reading lights

Front and rear courtesy lights

Front side step illumination (under door)

Instrument panel and front door inlay lighting

Packs

Climate pack - EC40/EX40

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

First aid kit

Warning triangle

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Passenger airbag cut-off device

Drivers knee airbag

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Power child locks on rear doors

Road sign information display

Run off Road Mitigation

IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length

Front seats SIPS airbags

Slippery road and hazard light alert

Front and outer rear seatbelt reminder and pretensioners

City safety with steering support with Pedestrian + cyclist + front collision warning with full auto brake and rear auto brake

ISOFIX attachment (Front passenger and Rear outer seats)

Seats

Heated front seats

Front headrests

Rear headrests

Height adjustable passenger seat

Power driver seat with memory + exterior mirrors memory

Multi directional lumbar support

Front seat cushion extensions

60/40 versatile split folding rear seat

Single front passenger seat

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Private locking for tailgate

Convenient entry and start

Care key with user defined top speed

Remote door locking and unlocking

Keyless drive with keyless entry and keyless start

2 x Key integrated remote control central locking including recharging port with deadlocking system and auto open/close power windows

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated vanity mirrors + ticket holder

Vehicle Charging

11 kW three phase onboard charger

6m 3 phase 32 amp type 2 / mode 3 charge cable

Type 2/CCS recharging port located in nearside rear wing

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealant kit and compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 1320

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 660

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 33

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 135

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 69

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 482

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 482

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 445

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.3

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 17.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.6

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 299.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 276.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 299.5

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 66

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 135

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Plus

Coin Description: 175kW Single Motor

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 35E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 92

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 70

NCAP Safety Assist %: 89

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 238

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.3

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 238

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 175

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 310

Engine Torque - NM: 420

Engine Torque - RPM: N

Engine Torque - MKG: 42.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/50 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 255/45 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4440

Width: 1938

Wheelbase: 2702

Width (including mirrors): 2034

Height: 1596

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1977

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2460

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 483

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 404

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1196

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Body Glass

Dark tinted windows - rear side windows and rear screen

Driver Aids

360 degree surround view parking camera with side proximity sensors

Entertainment

Premium Sound by Harman Kardon, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound, Dirac Unsion,12 speakers/600W and subwoofer

Exterior Body Features

Additional metallic paint

Body colour A-pillars, roof side cant-rail, door mirror and roof spoiler

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Denim blue

Metallic - Onyx black

Metallic - Vapour grey

Metallic - Crystal white

Metallic - Sand dune

Metallic - Cloud blue

Metallic - Aurora silver

Metallic - Forest Lake

Towing

Retractable towbar

Trim - Cloth

Connect suede textile/microtech - Charcoal + carpet and mats, door panel insert and centre armrest, cutting edge inlay and standard gearknob

Wheels - Alloy

20" 5 spoke diamond cut black alloy wheels