Volvo C40 Recharge (EC40) Single Motor Extended Range

Overview

Meet the 2025 Volvo EC40 Single Motor Extended Range, the artist formerly known as the C40 Recharge! This sleek, coupe-style electric SUV brings a dose of Scandinavian cool to the premium compact EV scene. Key highlights for this rear-wheel-drive stunner include a more engaging drive since its 2024 update, a very usable real-world range, and Volvo's signature commitment to sustainable, leather-free interiors. The 2025 model starts at $54,895 new, with used examples from earlier years cited around $22,146, making it an intriguing option for style-conscious EV buyers.

What's New for 2025?

The biggest news for 2025 is the name game: the C40 officially becomes the EC40, slotting into Volvo's fresh EV naming strategy. This specific Single Motor Extended Range trim carries forward the fantastic updates from 2024, most notably the switch to rear-wheel drive for sprightlier handling and a more potent battery delivering that impressive range. Beyond the badge, expect the 2025 model to largely mirror the well-received 2024 version, focusing on its core strengths of design, safety, and now, improved electric performance for the US market.

Design & Exterior

The EC40 Single Motor Extended Range is a proper looker, measuring 174.8 inches long, 73.7 inches wide, and 62.8 inches tall. Its defining feature is that dramatic sloping roofline, giving it a sporty coupe-SUV silhouette that stands out from its boxier EX40 sibling. Upfront, you get Volvo’s signature "Thor’s Hammer" LED daytime running lights, while the rear features unique pixel-style taillights. This trim often sports aerodynamically optimized wheels, enhancing both its slick appearance and its efficiency on the road. It’s a guaranteed head-turner!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the EC40, and you're greeted by a minimalist, super-chic Scandinavian design. Volvo champions sustainability, so expect high-quality, 100% leather-free upholstery options as standard. It’s a five-seater, with plenty of comfort upfront, though that stylish roofline means rear headroom is a tad cozier for taller folks. Cargo-wise, you get 15 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 49 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Plus, there's a nifty 0.7 cubic foot frunk, perfect for stashing charging cables. A 9-inch tablet-style Google Built-in infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital driver display are standard, along with Apple CarPlay.

Performance & Driving Experience

This RWD EC40 isn't just about looks; it’s got the go to match! It'll zip from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.9 seconds. Power comes from a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) at the rear, dishing out 185 kW (that's about 248 horsepower) and a healthy 310 lb-ft of instant torque. Expect a smooth, refined, and quiet ride, typical of Volvo, but now with a more engaging, fun-to-drive character thanks to that rear-wheel-drive setup. Volvo's one-pedal driving mode is usually spot-on, making urban commutes a doddle.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Single Motor Extended Range lives up to its name with a 79 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates its real-world range at an impressive 298 miles, with an efficiency of 3.77 mi/kWh. For juicing up, it features a standard 11 kW AC on-board charger, meaning an overnight charge will easily get you to 100%. When you’re out and about, the EC40 can gulp down DC fast charging at up to 200 kW via its CCS Type 1 port, taking you from 10-80% in around 28-30 minutes under ideal conditions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Volvo is synonymous with safety, and the EC40 is no exception, boasting a 5-star Euro NCAP rating; it's also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. While the specific 2025 NHTSA rating wasn't in the provided data, Volvos typically score very highly. This trim comes loaded with standard driver-assistance tech, including Volvo's excellent Pilot Assist system (adaptive cruise control with lane centering), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steer assist, oncoming lane mitigation, and rear cross-traffic alert with auto brake. You’re in safe hands here!

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Volvo typically backs the EC40 with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty in the US. The crucial high-voltage battery is covered for a lengthy 8 years or 100,000 miles, including protection against degradation (usually below 70% capacity). Volvo also offers complimentary factory scheduled maintenance for the first few years or services, often covering the first 3 years/36,000 miles. This sweetens the deal and adds peace of mind to your stylish EV ownership experience, with Volvo EVs generally showing good reliability.