Volvo C40 Recharge (EC40) Single Motor Extended Range

Overview

The Volvo C40, now often badged EC40, is the Swedish brand's super-stylish coupe-SUV that’s gone fully electric. This Single Motor Extended Range version is a real sweet spot, offering a zesty rear-wheel-drive experience and a very decent whack of range, thanks to its efficient powertrain. It’s all about sustainable luxury with a sporty edge. If you’re eyeing one up new in Europe, prices typically start around €57,190, while savvy buyers might find nearly-new examples from about €33,950. It’s a head-turner that’s kinder to the planet without skimping on cool.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the C40 (now officially the EC40) Single Motor Extended Range continues to showcase its significant recent powertrain overhaul. This means you get Volvo’s brilliant in-house developed, more powerful, and super-efficient rear-mounted electric motor, a big step up from older front-wheel-drive versions for improved range and a more engaging drive. Alongside this, the larger 79 kWh usable battery pack squeezed in gives it proper long-legs for those weekend adventures. The refreshed model lineup and the "EC40" badge also help distinguish this iteration. It's a sharper, more capable package all round.

Design & Exterior

The EC40 Single Motor Extended Range absolutely nails the slick coupe-SUV aesthetic. That dramatically sloping roofline is pure automotive theatre, and up front, you’ve got Volvo’s signature "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, which often can be optioned to brilliant Pixel LED units. The rear design is equally distinctive with those striking vertical light blades. Dimension-wise, it’s a tidy 4440 mm long, 1873 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1596 mm tall. This trim typically rides on stylish alloy wheels designed to be aerodynamic, boosting its sophisticated kerb appeal.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the EC40, and you're welcomed by a typically cool, minimalist Scandinavian cabin. Volvo’s big on sustainability, so expect plush, leather-free upholstery options and recycled materials that feel surprisingly premium throughout. There’s seating for five, though that stylish sloping roof means rear headroom is a tad cozier for taller folk. Dominating the dash is the slick Google Android-based infotainment system – super intuitive with Google Maps built-in, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Boot space is a useful 404 litres, expanding to 1205 litres with seats folded, plus a handy 31-litre frunk for stashing charging cables.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Single Motor Extended Range variant packs a proper punch from its rear-mounted 185 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, which also delivers a very healthy 420 Nm of torque. Nought to 100 km/h is dispatched in a brisk 7.3 seconds, making it feel plenty nippy around town and confident for motorway overtakes. Being rear-wheel drive, it’s more engaging to pilot than earlier front-driven C40s, offering a balanced, smooth, and refined ride. One-pedal driving is brilliantly calibrated, making stop-start city traffic a doddle. Top speed is sensibly capped at 180 km/h.

Range, Battery & Charging

The EC40 Single Motor Extended Range features a substantial 79 kWh (usable) battery. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of approximately 479 km, which is pretty solid for most journeys, supported by an impressive efficiency of 6.06 km/kWh. For topping up, its standard 11 kW on-board AC charger will replenish the battery fully in around 8 hours. When you're out and about, it can accept up to 200 kW from a DC fast charger via its CCS Type 2 port, meaning a 10-80% charge can be done in under 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Volvo is practically a synonym for safety, and the EC40 proudly lives up to that, boasting a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. This Single Motor Extended Range trim comes loaded with tech to keep you protected. Expect Volvo’s highly-regarded Pilot Assist system – which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance – to be either standard or part of a common package, taking the stress out of long drives. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a comprehensive suite of collision avoidance systems are also typically part of the deal.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Volvo generally backs the EC40 in Europe with a comprehensive vehicle warranty, often for 3 years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first. The crucial high-voltage battery usually gets an extended warranty, typically 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. As an EV, maintenance is generally simpler and less frequent than a petrol or diesel car. Volvo's build quality and their EV technology's reliability record are strong, so expect dependable motoring from this stylish Swedish electric SUV.