2026 Volvo EC40 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
The Volvo C40 returned as the EC40, but the car has been discontinued for the U.S. market. What follows is what used-car customers can expect when considering one of Volvo's most interesting cars, the EC40.
What We Think
Expect the Volvo EC40 to deliver essentially the same experience we found in the 2025 Volvo EX40. In that taller-roofed version, we enjoyed great handling and road manners along with hilariously quick acceleration from the available dual-motor powertrain. Despite its familiarity, the interior looks and feels premium, and Volvo’s infotainment setup works mostly well despite running on a touchscreen that’s small by today’s standards. However, the EV metrics don’t impress much due to short range and slow charging that limit long-distance driving viability. However, as a stylish city car, the EX40 delights—and the EC40 is even better-looking, although it’s less practical due to that sleek, sloping roof.
Range, Charging, and Performance
All EC40 variants carry a battery with 79 kWh of usable capacity. Fast-charging speeds top out at 200 kW. Range is estimated at about 300 miles for single-motor RWD models, while dual-motor AWD examples could cover about 260 miles on a charge. However, our testing of the mechanically related 2025 EX40 revealed the SUV struggled to meet its rated range.
Single-motor RWD models will have 248 hp and accelerate to 60 mph in slightly more than 6.0 seconds, and dual-motor AWD examples will pack 402 hp and cut the sprint down to about 4.0 seconds.
Is Volvo’s Smallest EV Better?
The EC40 is small, but the EX30 is even smaller. This adorable subcompact electric SUV shows Volvo’s intent to make all-electric transportation approachable and appealing to more drivers. The EX30 is tiny, with dimensions that suit it to snugging into tight city streets, yet it’s also very punchy, offering a dual-motor powertrain that makes 422 hp. The single-motor model has estimated range of up to 275 miles. There’s also a rugged, high-riding Cross Country version. Unlike the EC40, the EX30 shows off an EV-first design and Volvo’s latest approaches to interior layout and infotainment tech.
Safety and Driver Assist Features
The EC40 comes equipped with a variety of driver assist and active safety features, such as front automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-end collision protection, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, emergency evasive steering assist, automatic high-beams, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Adaptive cruise control is optional or included depending on trim.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Interior spaciousness isn’t the EC40’s forte—but that’s to be expected from a compact SUV that cuts its roof down in pursuit of style. See how it compares to other smallish upscale EV crossovers.
Technology
Every EC40 has a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The user interface is designed by Google, offering familiar apps like Google Maps and others from the Google Play store, in addition to Apple CarPlay and (finally) Android Auto. A wireless charging pad and USB ports are standard. Above the basic eight-speaker audio system, a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium setup is available. Other tech options include a 360-degree camera and digital rearview mirror.
