The Volvo EC40, a sleek and modern electric coupé-SUV, has been a part of the CommaFast fleet for six months, offering a unique blend of style, technology, and practicality. Previously known as the C40 Recharge, this rebadged model brings Volvo’s signature Scandinavian design and cutting-edge electric performance to the compact SUV market. Over the course of our extended test, we’ve put the EC40 through its paces, exploring its capabilities on everything from daily commutes to long-distance road trips. Here’s our comprehensive review of what it’s like to live with the Volvo EC40, packed with insights into its efficiency, comfort, and real-world usability.
First Impressions: A Striking Electric SUV
From the moment the Volvo EC40 arrived, its bold design turned heads. With its swooping roofline, sleek silhouette, and Volvo’s iconic “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, the EC40 exudes a premium yet understated aesthetic. The vegan-friendly interior, complete with recycled materials and stylish blue carpets, feels both eco-conscious and luxurious. The 9-inch portrait touchscreen, powered by Google’s Android Automotive system, offers seamless navigation and connectivity, though some icons can feel small for quick access.
Our test vehicle, the EC40 Plus with a single motor and extended-range 78kWh battery, boasts an official range of up to 345 miles (WLTP). Priced at around £54,305, it sits in a competitive segment alongside rivals like the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, Tesla Model Y, and Skoda Enyaq Coupé. But does its style compromise practicality, and how does it fare in everyday life? Let’s dive into our findings.
Efficiency and Range: Real-World Performance
One of the most critical aspects of any electric vehicle (EV) is its efficiency and range, especially in varied UK driving conditions. The EC40 has impressed us with its real-world performance, consistently delivering a range of around 260-278 miles in mixed driving scenarios, including cold winter months and warmer spring days. While this falls short of the official 345-mile figure, it’s competitive with rivals like the BMW iX2 and Volkswagen ID.4.
Charging and Efficiency
Charging the EC40 at home using a 7.4kW wallbox has been straightforward. With a standard UK electricity tariff of approximately 27p per kWh, a full charge of the 75kWh usable battery costs around £20.25. We typically charge to 90% to preserve battery health, which takes about 6-7 hours for a top-up from 20% to 90%. On public chargers, costs are higher—often double or more—highlighting the savings of home charging.
| Charging Scenario | Details | Cost/Time |
|---|---|---|
| Home Charging (7.4kW) | 20% to 90% charge, 75kWh usable battery | ~£14.18, 6-7 hours |
| Public DC Fast Charging (135kW) | 10% to 80% charge | ~£30-40, 33 minutes |
| Efficiency (Real-World) | Mixed driving, winter to spring | 3.6-3.7 mi/kWh |
| Range (Real-World) | Mixed conditions, 90% charge | 260-278 miles |
During a memorable 195-mile journey from a train station to home with 90% battery, the EC40’s Google Maps integration predicted arrival with just 1% charge remaining. The system’s real-time range estimation proved accurate, alleviating range anxiety even under pressure. However, we noted that efficiency drops to around 2.7 mi/kWh in colder months with the heater on, improving to 3.7 mi/kWh as temperatures rise.
Driving Experience: Comfort Meets Confidence
The Volvo EC40 is built on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, featuring MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear axle. This setup delivers a refined and composed ride, striking a balance between comfort and agility. The EC40 handles twisty UK backroads with surprising poise for a compact SUV, thanks to well-weighted steering and ample grip. While it doesn’t match the dynamic flair of the Polestar 2, it’s a relaxing companion for long motorway journeys.
The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration (252bhp, 420Nm) offers ample power for daily driving, with a 0-62mph sprint in 6.9 seconds. We opted not to engage one-pedal driving, as some family members found it jarring, but experimenting with regenerative braking showed modest range improvements. On 19-inch wheels, the EC40 absorbs rough city streets better than on the optional 20-inch rims, which can feel harsher over potholes.
Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping aids enhance long-distance comfort, reacting swiftly to traffic changes. The wide-angle reversing camera and parking sensors make maneuvering in tight UK car parks a breeze, despite the sloping rear window limiting rear visibility.
Practicality: Style with Substance?
The EC40’s coupé-SUV design sacrifices some practicality compared to its boxier sibling, the EX40. The boot offers 413 liters of space, less than the EX40’s 452 liters or competitors like the Skoda Enyaq Coupé (570 liters). However, the hatchback opening and flat boot floor make loading bulky items manageable. We easily fit family essentials for weekend trips, including a child’s car seat, toys, and luggage, though taller rear passengers noted reduced headroom due to the sloping roofline.
Inside, the cabin feels premium yet functional. The center console offers generous storage, and cupholders are robust, though door bins are narrow, and the glovebox is small. Child-friendly features, like one-button child locks, add convenience for families. The vegan interior, with its map-inspired trim and ambient lighting, creates a welcoming atmosphere, though the infotainment system’s reliance on touch controls can be fiddly compared to rivals with physical buttons.
Technology: Smart and Sustainable
The EC40’s Android Automotive infotainment system is a highlight, with Google Maps providing clear navigation, real-time traffic updates, and EV charging station information. The 12-inch driver display is crisp, displaying routes and alerts without distracting from the road. However, Apple CarPlay requires a wired connection, and Android Auto is redundant given the native Android system. Bluetooth connectivity for calls and music is seamless, reducing the need for full smartphone integration.
Sustainability is a core focus, with the EC40’s leather-free interior using recycled materials. A panoramic glass roof brightens the cabin, and the heat pump minimizes range loss in cold weather. However, some colleagues noted that the infotainment screen and cabin design feel dated compared to newer Volvo models like the EX30 or EX90.
Long-Distance Adventures: A Yorkshire Road Trip
A standout moment was a holiday to Yorkshire, where the EC40 proved its mettle as a long-distance cruiser. The 280-mile round trip was comfortable, with minimal wind or road noise and excellent seat support. Public charging costs were a drawback, with prices significantly higher than home charging, but the EC40’s range and fast-charging capability (10-80% in 33 minutes at 135kW) kept downtime minimal. The built-in navigation system’s traffic-camera warnings and detour suggestions saved time, making the journey stress-free.
Living with the EC40: Family-Friendly and Anxiety-Free
After six months, the EC40 has dispelled any lingering range anxiety. Starting a week with 30% battery (around 80-100 miles) feels sufficient for most local trips, and the ability to charge at home keeps costs manageable. The car’s practicality, while not class-leading, suits a family with young children and occasional outdoor adventures. Accessories like roof rails and cycle racks (available via Volvo’s online store) enhance versatility, though they reduce efficiency at motorway speeds.
Pros and Cons
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sleek, modern, premium aesthetic | Sloping roofline reduces rear headroom |
| Range | Competitive 260-278 miles real-world | Efficiency drops in cold weather |
| Tech | Intuitive Google Maps, sustainable materials | Infotainment can be fiddly, small icons |
| Practicality | Functional boot, family-friendly features | Smaller boot than rivals, narrow door bins |
| Driving | Comfortable, refined, agile handling | Less dynamic than Polestar 2 |
Verdict: A Compelling Electric Choice
The Volvo EC40 Plus is a stylish, comfortable, and technologically advanced electric SUV that excels in daily life and long-distance travel. Its range, while not the best in class, is more than adequate for most UK drivers, and its premium interior and intuitive tech make it a joy to live with. However, the coupé design sacrifices some practicality, and the infotainment system could be more user-friendly. For those prioritizing style and refinement over maximum boot space, the EC40 is a compelling choice in the competitive electric SUV market.
