If you’re searching for an SUV that harmoniously blends stunning design with a commitment to our planet, look no further than the 2025 Volvo EC40. The 2024 C40 Recharge may carry a fresh name, but it holds the essence of Volvo’s legacy; the EC40 is a groundbreaking shift for their electric lineup, promising a thrilling future.
This subcompact SUV is not only sleek and compact; it embodies the exhilarating spirit of electric driving while offering the practicality essential for your daily travels or the odd weekend away. With its alluring sloping roofline, the Volvo EC40 exudes a dynamic flair that sets it apart from its more utilitarian counterpart, the EX40. Yes, it may trade a bit of rear headroom and visibility for that sporty allure, but what it gains in style and excitement is simply irresistible!
We tested the Volvo EC40 with a road trip from Burnaby, B.C. to Tofino, B.C. through back roads, ferry lineups, highways, flooding, and more without any hiccups along the way. The best part? We only had to charge once for the entire trip.
2025 Upgrades: What’s New and Noteworthy
In 2025, Volvo is set to ignite passion on the roads by introducing an exhilarating performance software pack option for the twin-motor EC40 models. Picture this: a thrilling 25 kW power boost and a quick accelerator response that will make your heart race with every press of the pedal. If that weren’t enough to stir your soul, the new Black Edition appearance package transforms the Volvo EC40 into a true masterpiece, draped in a captivating Onyx Black coat and adorned with striking 20-inch gloss black alloys, exuding a sense of sleek sophistication.
While the single-motor and dual-motor versions continue to grace the lineup, Volvo remains steadfast in delivering impressive range estimates—297 miles for the single-motor and 257 miles for the dual-motor variants; ensuring that adventure awaits just beyond the horizon. In a passionate showdown, the 2024 and 2025 models stand as kindred spirits beneath the hood, sharing the same powerful heart. Excitingly, current 2024 C40 owners can embrace this upgrade, downloading the Performance pack to elevate their driving experience to new heights of exhilaration. With its stylish design and fierce power, the Volvo EC40 is not just any SUV; it’s a bold contender in the EV world.
One notable frustration with the Volvo EC40 lies in its troublesome profile switching. At times, this glitch renders the sound system nonfunctional until you perform the tedious task of rebooting the centre console. This is noticeable with map narration, turn signal silence, music and more. While the solution is as simple as holding the home button until the Volvo logo shines back at you, it’s an irksome hiccup; especially for those who frequently switch profiles to curate the perfect driving ambiance for their passenger princesses. It can also elicit a bit of a panic moment for a new owner which may end in a slightly embarrassing service call.
Moreover, the smaller back window can pose a real challenge, particularly for taller drivers or those who need to ride higher (aka.. me, the short one), as it limits visibility when you need it most. If clear rearward sightlines are a top priority, you might find yourself gravitating toward the EX40 instead. For those who stand a bit shorter, you might discover that the rearview mirrors feel a tad too distant, but this is only a concern for individuals under 5 foot 5 inches.
Under the Hood: Power and Performance
The Volvo EC40 may wear a sleek and sophisticated exterior, but don’t let its elegant appearance fool you—this beauty is a powerhouse! Just imagine the relief when you’re trying to merge onto the highway, surrounded by a carload of restless kids! With a robust 248 horsepower in the single-motor version and a thrilling 436 hp in the dual-motor model, the Volvo EC40 is perfect for parents who crave that extra burst of excitement on the open road. And with the new Performance pack for 2025, the accelerator responds with even more enthusiasm, transforming every drive into an exhilarating adventure, whether you’re navigating bustling city streets or gliding past slower vehicles on the highway.
It offers a reassuring steadiness that makes even the longest journeys enjoyable. Sure, you might feel a few bumps on those rough roads, but they’re mere whispers compared to the joyful laughter of your kids, ensuring they stay peacefully napping or happily snacking. For parents managing the delightful chaos of errands, school pickups, and weekend escapades, the Volvo EC40 beautifully balances raw power with the practicality we all cherish.
Miles, Watts, and Charging Pit Stops
The EC40’s battery packs elegantly strike the perfect harmony between an impressive range and swift charging capabilities. With a robust 79.0-kWh battery in the single-motor models, you can confidently journey for approximately 297 miles or 477kms on a single charge, while the dual-motor models, powered by a 75.0-kWh battery, still deliver a commendable 257 miles or 413kms. Both configurations embrace 200-kW DC fast charging, which means you can rejuvenate your battery to 80% in a mere 28 minutes—a wonderfully convenient feature that transforms even the briefest of stops into a moment of renewal.
When you’re cruising along the highway, the real-world range may fluctuate, yet past tests revealed that drivers could still expect to cover around 200 miles or 320 kilomotres at steady speeds. For most, this makes the Volvo EC40 not just a vehicle, but a trusted companion for exhilarating road trips and bustling city commutes, offering the freedom to explore without as many limits as shorter-range comparable models.
The 2025 Volvo EC40 and its sibling, the EX40, share similar charging capabilities, making them both practical options for EV drivers on the go. Both models support 200-kW DC fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in about 28 minutes—a feature that’s particularly handy for quick stops during road trips. At home, both the EC40 and EX40 can be charged with standard 110-volt or 220-volt outlets, although the latter will offer faster charging times. I wouldn’t recommend aiming to charge regularly at home at 110-volt capabilities, you’ll be waiting awhile for a full charge. Whether you’re in the EC40 or EX40, you’ll get reliable charging flexibility that fits daily commutes and longer adventures alike.
Inside Scoop: Comfort, Cargo, and Cabin Perks
Inside, the Volvo EC40 echoes the C40 Recharge, combining premium finishes with Volvo’s commitment to sustainability. The vegan-friendly interior and super cool backlit topography map trim are standout touches that my designated passenger princesses and I adored. Cargo space is somewhat reduced due to the coupe-like roofline, and taller passengers may find rear headroom a bit tight. However, Volvo’s clever storage solutions make the most of the EC40’s compact frame, providing plenty of room for family road trips. I appreciate that there is minimal distractions built into the cargo, with everything easily at an arms length for most drivers.
If you’re riding high in the driver’s seat, you may notice limited visibility from the small back window—a known drawback of the design. But with the support of Volvo’s parking assistance and 360-degree camera systems, manoeuvring in tight spaces becomes much easier.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2025 Volvo EC40’s infotainment system brings an impressive suite of tech features without feeling overwhelming. Designed to make life easier and keep everyone entertained on the road. Built on Volvo’s latest Android-based platform, the system feels fast, responsive, and user-friendly, with regular over-the-air updates ensuring that it stays current without a trip to the dealership. Whether you’re using Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for hands-free help, or streaming your favourite playlists, it’s all integrated for a seamless experience.
One highlight is the built-in Google Maps, which displays real-time traffic updates, estimated arrival times, and even nearby charging stations—a huge plus when planning longer family trips. This feature came in especially handy during our impromptu visit to HotelZED in Tofino. We relied heavily on traffic alerts, highway updates, and alternative routes during flooding and storm watch alerts. This offered peace of mind that I didn’t even realize we needed until we needed it.
Google Assistant is also on hand to respond to voice commands, so you can get directions, send texts, or change the climate controls without taking your hands off the wheel. The system even allows you to download additional apps from the Google Play Store, offering access to services like Spotify, Audible (great for us booktok girlies!), and more—keeping kids (and parents) entertained on the road.
Top trims come with a premium Harman Kardon sound system, which delivers clear and balanced audio quality for music and podcasts. But, a known glitch with profile switching can mute the sound entirely until you reboot the centre console (just hold the home button until the Volvo logo appears). While this is a bit of an inconvenience, the Harman Kardon system is otherwise impressive, especially if you’re looking for an immersive listening experience.
A potential downside is the layout of the screen itself: While responsive, the on-screen buttons are small, which can make it challenging to hit the right icon while driving. However, the steering wheel controls offer a helpful workaround for quickly accessing essential features. All in all, Volvo’s infotainment setup in the Volvo EC40 is well-suited for the tech-savvy parent, with a robust blend of functionality and entertainment options to keep the family happy on the go.
Tell Us The Price!
In Canada, pricing for the 2025 Volvo EC40 starts at approximately CAD $59,950 for the single-motor model, while the dual-motor version is closer to CAD $63,500. Add-ons like the Black Edition or Performance pack bring additional premiums, pushing the EC40 into competitive territory alongside rivals like the Audi Q4 e-tron and Genesis GV60. Yet, with Volvo’s signature Scandinavian design, top-notch safety features, and eco-friendly innovations, the Volvo EC40 sets itself as a front-runner for our families’ needs.
Overall, the 2025 Volvo EC40 is a stylish, compact EV that feels just as at home on city streets as it does on weekend getaways. Though it has a few quirks—like the occasional profile-switching glitch and limited rear visibility—the EC40 shines where it counts, offering a balance of power, charging convenience, and a thoughtfully designed interior. For families looking for a versatile, eco-conscious SUV that blends comfort with cutting-edge tech, the EC40 is a compelling choice, bringing Volvo’s safety legacy and contemporary style to the forefront of the electric SUV market.
