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Launched in 2021, the all-electric Volvo EC40 is a coupe-style SUV with a 260-mile range and a 78 kWh battery. Although it is only available through Volvo's online sales service, this car could eventually become something of a game-changer for the Swedish manufacturer in the all-electric market. According to Volvo, a charge from zero to eight per cent should take about 40 minutes from a fast-charging outlet. A solid option for anyone looking to go electric.
The standard version of the Volvo EC40 all-electric comes with a pair of electric motors. This means that the car is capable of some fast acceleration. Indeed, it will get to 60 mph from a standing start in a brisk 4.9 seconds making it highly competitive compared to other electric SUVs in its class. Another key aspect of the car is that its software systems will be updated automatically by Volvo directly. This is a model that means further improvements to performance, such as by tweaking the drive modes as the batteries age, may be possible based on the data Volvo gathers over time. The power output of the EC40's two motors is 402 bhp. If you want to judge the car by its top speed, then note that it can get to 112 mph at its fastest.
The EC40 is designed for ecologically aware motorists. Not only does it provide fossil-fuel-free driving but the entire interior has been designed to be vegan-friendly. You won't find leather anywhere. However, that does not mean the interior feels cheap. Instead, it offers a great deal of comfort and class. There's an Android infotainment system that has Google Maps and Assistant built-in as standard. A Harman Kardon sound system is provided. The interior experience is further enhanced by a back-lit translucent lighting system.
The coupe look of the EC40 cannot overcome the fact that this SUV looks like a Volvo, albeit a rather confident one. The modern-looking slimmed crossover side profile will appeal to some but this causes a lower headroom in the back than isn't strictly necessary. There's also a trendy contrasting black finish for the roof and mirror caps. Pixel lighting is used for the main beam. This supposedly helps to reduce dazzle but the fact is that the headlamps simply look good when they're turned on. If you want a retractable tow bar, then you will have to pay extra, however.
There's a handy pop-out rubbish bin in the front of the car, a good idea that should be in more vehicles. The door pockets in the front a roomy while the boot offers 452 litres of storage. The seats only fold down in a 60:40 arrangement, but that's good enough for most situations. Under the bonnet, there's a further 31-litre storage space, a good thing to know for family touring holidays.
