Volvo EC40 Review - Big on Battery Power
Electric power and no engine noise
When reviewing electric cars, I often miss the sound of an engine. You can’t beat the thrum of a 6 or 8 cylinder petrol or diesel engine. I’m sorry, but the manufacturers who’ve decided to pump fake engine sounds via the car’s audio speakers, don’t bother. It’s naff.
I’ll miss the sound of a throaty Jaguar. The company isn’t planning to sell cars until 2026 when it becomes a fully electric brand. As gambles go, it’s huge and the new £100,000+ car will be unveiled in late 2025.
Volvo’s future strategy
Volvo has gone big on battery power. Around, 4-5 years ago they said that by 2030 their entire range would be 100% electric. Think again. The Swedish brand is already rowing back on that statement and now says that some hybrid cars will still be available as we move into the next decade.
In many respects though, Volvo is ahead of the game and its electric products are already some of the best around.
100% electric Volvo EC40
Take the Volvo EC40 for example.
It’s a swoopy coupé version of the EX40 and was previously known as the C40 Recharge. It’s only available as a 100% battery car, although you can get the EX40 with a petrol hybrid set-up called XC40.
The EC40 is a stylish thing and, like the EX40, comes with a choice of electrical power.
Powertrain choices, range and speed
The entry-level single motor, rear-wheel drive model which kicks off the range at £51,003 gives you a predicted range of 298 miles. It’s lively with a 0-60mph time of 7.3 seconds. If you’d prefer a higher potential mileage you can add £1163 to the purchase price and also add around 50 miles before needing to top-up. The performance stays roughly the same and power output is 241bhp. One-pedal driving is available, allowing you to bring the car to a standstill without using the brakes and topping up the battery at the same time.
If you’re prepared to sacrifice some range but want to frighten the life out of some boy racers, go for the 414bhp Twin Motor model which rockets off the line and hits 60mph in a rapid 4.7 seconds. The additional motor gives you all-wheel drive. You’ll need to find a further £4524 but it makes this 5-seater coupé into a very tempting proposition because mileage is still a healthy predicted 339 miles. It’s a hoot to drive and you may be interested in the Twin Motor version if you tow a caravan, trailer or horsebox because it can haul 1.8 tonnes.
Trim Levels
However, most folk will be perfectly happy with the entry-level model which is available in two levels of trim - Plus and Ultra.
The Ultra trim costs an additional £4.5k but, to be honest, you’ll be perfectly happy with Plus levels of kit as you get a panoramic roof, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights, DAB radio, adaptive cruise control, powered driver’s seat, powered tailgate, 12.3-inch driver display and a 9-inch central touchscreen.
And, because it’s a Volvo, you’ll also get a comprehensive list of safety kit.
EC40 driving experience and interior
Out on the road, the EC40 model I had was the single motor extended range version. As with all electric cars, it’s quick off the mark and when you’re joining a motorway, you can easily slot into a gap when needed. The ride is a tad firm but, on the flip side, it means you can chuck the EC40 into a corner and it’ll hang on nicely. Town driving can be a bit lumpy, although you can adjust the steering feel by fiddling with the settings on the touchscreen.
It’s a good looking touchscreen and has some handy shortcut buttons, but Volvo is one of the worst for loading too much onto the infotainment screen. More and more manufacturers are going back to good old buttons and knobs for key stuff. On the plus side, Volvo uses Google software with voice recognition and it works well too.
The interior is smart in a fairly simplistic way. The seats are comfy and supportive and have a really good range of movement. All drivers will easily find a comfortable position.
The choice between style and price
The EC40 is one of the most stylish cars in the Volvo range. Even though it is an EX40 with a coupé SUV profile, you really have to make a choice between style and price. The EX40 might be a little boxier but in everything else, the cars are very similar. The fact that the EX40 range starts at £44,601 and is therefore £6.5k cheaper than the EC40 may focus your attention.
Either way, you’re getting a safe, sturdy, decently quick, (insanely quick if you go for the Twin Motor) well-equipped car with a good potential range, all wrapped up in a versatile body.
Not a bad choice to have to make.
words: Graham Courtney
pictures: Volvo
