Volvo XC40 Recharge Review: Range, Price, Specs & EX40 Rename
- Now called the EX40: Volvo renamed the XC40 Recharge to EX40 for 2025. Same car, new badge.
- Range: up to 296 miles (2025 EX40 Single Motor) — nearly 90 miles more than the 2021 original.
- Price: from $52,500 (2025 EX40); no $7,500 federal tax credit — it’s built in Belgium.
- Charging: 10–80% in ~28 minutes on a 200+ kW DC fast charger.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge — renamed the EX40 for the 2025 model year — is Volvo’s compact electric SUV. It’s fast, safe, and comfortable, with up to 296 miles of range. This review covers specs, real-world range, charging, pricing, and how it stacks up against the Tesla Model Y.
XC40 Recharge vs EX40: What Changed in 2025
For 2025, Volvo renamed its EVs to match the EX30/EX90 naming: the XC40 Recharge is now the EX40, and the C40 Recharge is now the EC40. Nothing mechanical changed — a 2025 EX40 Single Motor is the same car as a 2024 XC40 Recharge Single Motor. Used-car shoppers: search both names.
Volvo XC40 Recharge / EX40 Specs
| Spec | Single Motor RWD | Twin Motor AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 248 hp | 402 hp |
| 0–60 mph | 7.3 sec | 4.7 sec |
| EPA range (2025 EX40) | 296 miles | 260 miles |
| EPA range (2024 XC40) | 293 miles | 254 miles |
| Battery | 82 kWh (79 usable) | 82 kWh (79 usable) |
| DC fast charging | 205 kW peak | 205 kW peak |
| 10–80% charge time | ~28 min | ~28 min |
| Starting MSRP (2025) | $52,500 | $60,750 |
Specs: Volvo Cars USA, EPA.
How Many Days Can You Go Between Charges?
Move the slider to your daily driving distance:
Estimate based on EPA range. Cold weather and highway speeds reduce real range by 15–30%.
Range and Charging
EPA range grew every generation: 208 miles (2021) → 223 (2022–23) → 293 (2024) → 296 (2025 EX40 Single Motor). Expect 15–30% less in winter or at sustained highway speeds.
On a DC fast charger the EX40 peaks at 205 kW and runs 10–80% in about 28 minutes. On a 240V home charger, a full charge takes roughly 8 hours.
The 2024 switch to rear-wheel drive and a larger 82 kWh battery added ~70 miles at once.
Price and Trims
2025 EX40 pricing: $52,500 (Single Motor) and $60,750 (Twin Motor) before destination. Because it’s assembled in Ghent, Belgium, it doesn’t qualify for the $7,500 US federal EV tax credit — but leased EX40s often bake the commercial-credit equivalent into the deal, so compare lease vs buy carefully.
Used values are the real story: 2022–2023 XC40 Recharges with the smaller battery trade in the mid-$20ks — less than half the price of new, for ~220 miles of range.
Which Trim Should You Get?
1. What matters most to you?
Interior, Cargo and Tech
- Cabin: classic Volvo — excellent seats, clean dash, quality materials. Rear legroom is tight for the class.
- Cargo: 16 cu ft behind the rear seats, 57.5 cu ft folded. No frunk (the Twin Motor fills it with hardware).
- Infotainment: 9″ touchscreen with Google built in (Maps, Assistant, Play Store). Wireless Apple CarPlay included. Instrument cluster is a small 12.3″ display.
- Driver aids: Pilot Assist (adaptive cruise + lane centering) standard on all trims.
Safety
IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024) and a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard: blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 360° camera, and Volvo’s full Pilot Assist suite.
How It Compares
| EX40 Single | Tesla Model Y RWD | Audi Q4 e-tron | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPA range | 296 mi | ~320 mi | 258 mi | ~303 mi |
| 0–60 mph | 7.3 s | ~6.5 s | ~7.9 s | ~7.4 s |
| Starting price | $52,500 | ~$45,000 | ~$50,000 | ~$44,000 |
| Fast charging | 205 kW | 250 kW | 175 kW | 235 kW |
| Federal credit | No | Yes* | No | Yes* |
*Eligibility varies by assembly and buyer income; check current IRS rules.
The honest read: the Model Y and Ioniq 5 give you more range per dollar and access to tax credits. The EX40’s case is build quality, seats, and a calmer cabin — it wins on comfort, not on the spec sheet.
Reliability
Too early for long-term data on the EX40 badge, but the XC40 Recharge drivetrain has been in service since 2021 with no widespread battery or motor failures reported. Volvo covers the battery for 8 years/100,000 miles. Early 2021–22 cars had more software glitches than later ones — prefer 2023+ if buying used.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 296-mile range (2025) is genuinely competitive | No $7,500 federal tax credit (Belgian-built) |
| Superb seats and cabin materials | Tight rear legroom; no frunk |
| Top safety scores (IIHS TSP+, 5-star Euro NCAP) | Pricey vs Model Y / Ioniq 5 |
| Fast, painless 28-min DC charging | Google-only infotainment feel is dated next to rivals |
Verdict
The EX40 is the comfortable, well-built alternative to the Model Y — not the value pick. Buy the Single Motor new for maximum range, or hunt a used 2024 for the same 293-mile battery at a steep discount. Either way, you’re getting one of the nicest cabins in the class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the XC40 Recharge now called the EX40?
Yes. For the 2025 model year Volvo renamed the XC40 Recharge to EX40 (and the C40 Recharge to EC40). The car itself is mechanically unchanged.
What is the range of the Volvo XC40 Recharge?
Up to 296 miles EPA for the 2025 EX40 Single Motor; 260 miles for the Twin Motor. Older models: 293/254 miles (2024), 223 miles (2022–23), 208 miles (2021).
Does the XC40 Recharge qualify for the federal tax credit?
No. It’s assembled in Ghent, Belgium, so it doesn’t meet the North American assembly requirement. Leased vehicles may still benefit indirectly — ask the dealer.
How long does it take to charge?
About 28 minutes from 10–80% on a DC fast charger (205 kW peak), or roughly 8 hours on a 240V home charger.
Should I buy a used XC40 Recharge?
A used 2024 Single Motor is the sweet spot — the 293-mile battery at a large discount. Avoid paying 2024 money for a 2021–22 with the 208-mile battery unless the price reflects it.
XC40 Recharge vs Tesla Model Y — which is better?
The Model Y wins on range per dollar, charging network, and tax-credit eligibility. The EX40 wins on cabin quality, seats, and ride comfort. Choose based on what you value.
