2025 Volvo EC40

Volvo is rationalizing its naming process. In this instance, what used to be the C40 Recharge is now the EC40. Think of EC as standing for electric coupe. It’s not a traditional coupe, of course, but it does have a more sloping roof than a regular SUV. The EC40 is based on the EX40 (which itself received a name-change for 2025, having been called the XC40 Recharge before).

We’re not going to criticize the EC40 for reducing rear headroom and cargo space relative to its more conventional SUV stablemate. Just like we wouldn’t knock the BMW X4 for not being the X3. This vehicle is its own animal and all about providing buyers with a different choice.

It’s been around since the 2022 model year, and versions with two electric motors and all-wheel drive have proved the most popular. We’re sure the EC40 will continue in the same vein. However, every EC40 comes with a compelling mix of style, comfort, tech and safety.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury electric SUVs, including the Volvo EC40.

After morphing the C40 Recharge into the EC40 for 2025, Volvo also offers a Performance package for Twin Motor models, boosting output by 34 horsepower (making 436 horsepower in total), plus a Black Edition appearance package.

We expect the 2025 Volvo EC40 to start at around $55,500. That’s for the base Single Motor version, which does have the best range of the lineup: 297 miles. However, the joint best-sellers (when this was the C40 Recharge) have been the Twin Motor Plus (which we reckon will begin in the $58.5K region) and Twin Motor Ultimate. We don’t think Volvo will change the trim ladder or equipment levels this year.

These figures include both the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

For comparison, the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback starts out at a higher price than the EC40, while the Genesis GV60 and Polestar 2 should come in a little lower. The Tesla Model Y (beginning below $50K) could work out to be the bargain of this group.

Before buying a new Volvo EC40 electric SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. We anticipate resale values being comfortably above the class average. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

The popular Twin Motor version of what becomes the EC40 for 2025 has all-wheel drive as standard and generates 402 horsepower (436 if this year’s optional Performance pack is chosen). That’s quite some punch for a small SUV and capable of propelling the EC40 from standstill to 60 mph in a rapid 4.5 seconds. It’s possible to find faster electric SUVs, like the Genesis GV60 (the Performance version) or the Tesla Model Y, but the differences are minor, and we’ve found the EC40 to be more than quick enough in real-world situations.

Most of the time, the EC40’s ride quality is perfectly smooth. Many on our staff would prefer the standard 19-inch alloy wheels to anything bigger, though, because the correspondingly lower-profile tires won’t absorb all the imperfections of a particularly rough road. No combustion engine means no induction snort or exhaust noise, so occupants in an EC40 SUV might just catch some wind whisper and a subdued road rumble occasionally.

In town, the subcompact size enables easy maneuvering and parking, while the somewhat raised driving position makes a welcome contribution to outward vision. This last aspect is hindered slightly by the wide rear pillars and the small back window. We’re glad blind-spot monitoring is standard across the lineup.

An emphasis on style doesn’t stop the EC40 electric SUV from having plenty of storage areas and super-comfortable front seats (heated, by the way). Or having a reasonable amount of rear passenger space. Rear legroom is the same as its EX40 counterpart: a decent 36.1 inches.

Rear headroom takes a 1.6-inch hit, at 36.7 inches. The luggage area of 14.6 cubic feet is smaller by only about a cubic foot. A small stowage space under the EC40’s hood is fine for accommodating the charging cable.

A standard panoramic fixed moonroof keeps things airy, despite the fastback styling. It would be great if Volvo also supplied a shade, although the glass does have a protective UV coating.

Upholstery at the Core level is Charcoal City Canvas Textile. Plus models have a simulated suede. And the Ultimate offers a durable wool fabric. The EC40 doesn’t come with any real leather.

The distinguishing feature of the 2025 EC40 is its sloping roof. Its relationship with the Volvo EX40 is like that between the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Q4 e-tron Sportback. Compared with the EX40, the EC40 is lower, with a height of 62.2 inches and a ground clearance of 6.7 inches (only an inch more than a Toyota Camry). The EX40 has a ground clearance of 8.1 inches — something to consider if you regularly travel in snowy conditions or negotiate steep driveways. This year’s optional Black Edition package includes Onyx Black paint, along with badges and 20-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black.

Google/Android infotainment system
Controlled with a 9-inch high-definition touchscreen or through natural voice commands (just say “Hey, Google” to start things off) this system is capable of over-the-air updates and allows users to download apps through the Google Play store. Don’t fret, iPhone users — Apple CarPlay is also standard.

Digital driver information display
Standard in every new EC40, we’ve found this 12.3-inch display to be user-friendly while still adding to the cabin’s tech-rich vibe.

Navigation system
Another standard feature, this system uses Google Maps. But it’s also programmed with the needs of electric vehicles in mind. It shows the location of chargers on the route and predicts battery levels at journey’s end.

One-pedal driving
When the brake energy regeneration function is at its strongest setting, speeding up and slowing down all the way to a stop can be performed solely with the accelerator pedal. It’s surprising how easy it can be and we’ve found it becomes part of the EV driving habit in no time.

Pilot Assist
This is paired with adaptive cruise control, adding steering corrections to keep the EC40 in its lane. The driver’s hands must remain on the steering wheel, though. It’s exclusive to the top Ultimate trim.

Harman Kardon audio
Another feature found only in the Ultimate trim, we think this is an excellent 13-speaker/600-watt surround-sound system.

The Twin Motor version’s range of 257 miles beats the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback and the Genesis GV60 Performance, as well as most other rivals that aren’t called Tesla (an all-wheel-drive Model Y can run for 310 miles). On a DC fast charger, it takes about 37 minutes to go from 10% to 80% capacity.

The Single Motor comes with a beefier battery than its Twin Motor stablemate, resulting in an impressive maximum range of 297 miles. The other advantage of this battery is quicker charging, going from 10% capacity to 80% in 28 minutes (using a DC fast charger) — which compares quite well with the charging times of other EVs.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Volvo’s new-vehicle warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. The battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. These terms are all typical for the luxury electric vehicle (EV) sector.

Safety Ratings

While it was still called the C40 Recharge, this vehicle received the highest honor of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t crash-tested the EC40/C40 Recharge, but gave the related XC40 a maximum 5-Star overall score. Like every other Volvo, the EC40 comes with a comprehensive set of driver assistance features as standard.