Looking for a medium-sized electric SUV with an exceptional safety record and excellent build quality? The Volvo EC40 promises just that, so we’re running one for six months to find out whether it lives up to its billing. Oh, and its keeper – James – hasn’t got a home charger. Find out how he gets on below…

Reports by James Dennison

Update 1: Welcome

Find out what spec we’ve got on our Volvo EC40 long-termer

I’ve been lucky enough to run a number of different cars for Parkers.co.uk over the years, but this is the first time I’ve been entrusted with a Volvo. Ironic, given it’s supposed to be one of the safest makes of car out there. And indeed, when the C40 Recharge (the former alias of the EC40) was tested by Euro NCAP in 2022, it achieved an exceptional five-star rating.

But while Volvo is extremely proud of its safety record, it doesn’t want customers to buy its cars based on crash protection alone. There’s other considerations – style, tech, practicality, how it drives – that the EC40’s rivals major in, so how does Volvo’s take on the mid-sized SUV fair in the real world?

Oh yes, and there’s one more complication that I’m going to throw into the mix. I currently don’t have a home charger and thus I will be relying – at least initially – on the ability to power up at work (110 miles from home) and the public network. Admittedly, this would be the same in an Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, Ford Mustang Mach-E, BMW iX3 or any of the EC40s rivals, but it’s an interesting test of EV feasibility all the same. 

All of that is to come, but first, a quick look at the spec on this EC40. It’s a single motor extended range RWD Ultra model. To break that down, it’s got the mid-level powertrain (there’s also regular RWD and twin motor all-wheel drive) and comes with the Ultra level of equipment – more on that in a bit.

As such, the key stats are one electric motor powering the rear wheels with 252hp and 420Nm of torque. That’s enough for 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 112mph. Meanwhile, the usable battery capacity is 75kWh and thus claimed WLTP range is up to 341 miles. It’ll charge up to 11kW on AC (meaning 0-100% in around 8 hours) and 155kW on DC (10-80% in around 33 minutes).

The key takeaways from the performance figures are that a) it’s not too quick with well-judged on-paper acceleration – for me, many EVs deliver excessive performance – and b) the claimed range looks very promising. If I can get near 300 miles, that’ll be mighty useful given my current charging challenge. 

As for the Ultra part of the spec, it includes plenty of desirable equipment such as a 360-degree camera, park assist for front, rear and sides, pixel LED headlights, 20-inch five-spoke alloys, power passenger seat, Harmon Kardon Premium Sound audio system and Fusion Microtech/textile upholstery. 

The Ultra spec adds just over £5,000 to the list price and together with the Sand Dune paint (£0, usefully!) and £125 textile mat for the boot, the total price is £58,480. Looking at the spec sheet and brochure, my only initial concerns are a) no wireless CarPlay and b) AC charging is limited to 11kW, not the 22kW our office chargers can deliver. Although, looking around, many high-end EVs are limited to 11kW so that’s not something unique to the EC40.

Keep an eye on this page over the next few months to find out how I get along with the EC40 and whether I can survive EV ownership without a home charger!