Battery size: 69 - 78kWh
Miles per kWh: 3.32
Max charge rate: 125 kW
Range: 259 - 354 miles
Introduction
When the all-electric Volvo XC40 was originally announced in 2019, the world was waiting for a pure electric SUV which was more affordable than an Audi e-tron, Mercedes EQC and Jaguar I-Pace but a step above something like an MG ZS. It meant the Volvo XC40 Recharge was one of the most eagerly-awaited new arrivals. But in the time since then, the world has caught up and there are plenty of rivals. The Volvo still makes a lot of sense as a used car, but there are so many different versions you need to make sure there is one that suits you.
The single motor will be more than enough for most drivers, while the Twin Motor version is surprisingly - and perhaps unnecessarily - fast. Its two motors produce 402bhp, which is more than a Porsche 911. In fact, each of those two motors is more powerful than the top-of-the-range petrol engine in the XC40 line up.
The rest of the car is pretty much standard XC40, which means it’s got a lovely interior, and although the boot is a bit smaller than the non-electric version, you do get an extra 31 litre compartment under the bonnet to store your charge cables.
On the road, the XC40 has some great qualities and at motorway speeds and on smooth roads it feels very solid and confidence-inspiring. But on the larger wheels it struggles to cope with broken road surfaces as the combination of stiff suspension and sporty low-profile tyres makes driving on country lanes uncomfortable. Certainly try one before you buy to see if it bothers you.
This was improved on the post 2023 models, along with a host of other changes. If you can afford one, we’d recommend stretching yourself to one of these - or perhaps favouring a later car with higher miles over an earlier low mile car.
What’s the real-world range of a used Volvo XC40 Electric?
With an official range of 256 miles between charges for the early twin motor version and a little longer for the single motors, the XC40 should have enough to be practical for most drivers. After a few years and on a cold day, the real-world range is nearer 200 miles in our experience, which means you could charge once a week and do 25 miles a day on your commute. If you need to do a longer journey it could go from Newcastle to Birmingham without having to stop.
The facelift from 2023 onwards brought a bigger 82kWh battery on the Twin Motor and better efficiency too, so you can expect a few more miles. The cold weather performance is better on Plus models, which have a heat pump.
How long will the battery on the Volvo XC40 Electric last?
The 78kWh pack used on the pre-2023 models is pretty big for this size of car, and lasts reasonably well - but the degradation is slightly more on cars we saw than comparable models from the likes of BMW and Mercedes.
You should expect a 1% to 2% battery capacity drop per year depending on how you use the car, but to check you can ask the seller for the current State of Health reading if they have the technology - most big dealers will have access to SoH readers now.
We checked some cars advertised currently and they ranged from 92% with 74,000 miles to 96% with 6,000 miles at three years old. The later 83kWh battery seems to be a little more hardy - a 12,000 mile car had 98% left after two years.
How reliable is a used Volvo XC40 and what are the common problems?
The most common complaints from owners are around software, infotainment and connectivity. The XC40 cars lean heavily on its software and the Google built-in system. While there have been some over-the-air updates and software fixes, most of the issues turn out to be owners just not understanding the system and its strange ways. Check on the internet and ask for a proper handover at the dealer before assuming it’s broken.
The only other issues which frequently crop up are the around the safety sensors. These are often affected by frost and dirt, but they are also vulnerable to damage and parking knocks. Repairing them is not as simple as you might think as the systems need to be reset at a dealer.
Which is the best version to buy?
The first cars, built between 2021 and 2022, have the smaller battery but are obviously cheaper than the post facelift models with the bigger power pack and longer range. We also think the later cars are nicer to drive, especially the single motor cars which swapped from front to rear wheel drive.
Many buyers like the twin motor as it has four-wheel-drive, which suits an SUV, and the extra towing capacity. But it is unnecessarily fast, which has an effect on the insurance premiums. Also steer clear of early Twin Motors with the 20-inch wheels, as they have a very harsh ride and a lower range.
The sweet spot would seem to be the Plus models which have the heat pump as standard.
How long is the warranty?
The XC40 is covered by a 3-year or 60,000-mile manufacturer warranty for most of the car. If you are buying from a dealer or approved used scheme, expect at least 12-months clear cover.
The battery gets its own guarantees, which ensure it will retain at least 78% of its capacity after 8 years or 100,000 miles.
What are the ownership and running costs of a Volvo XC40?
Although the official Volvo service costs don’t look like a bargain, they will still end up being almost half the price of an equivalent XC40 diesel. There will be fewer add ons for brakes too, as the regen means the pads and discs wear out more slowly.
The tyres can be pricey though - especially on the larger 20-inch wheels. Budget at least £250 per corner for a quality brand.
In terms of charging, the XC40 isn’t as efficient as more modern EVs, especially the pre-facelift models, but charging at home overnight on a cheaper tariff will means the costs are low. If you are forced to charge at public points the extra cost will add up though.
All XC40s will have to pay a minimum of £195 road tax, and those registered after 1st April 2025 are also going to be subject to the Expensive Car Supplement if they had a list price of more than £50,000. It’s worth checking the car’s first registration date and whether it’s still within this window, as it will add an extra £425 to the bill between years two and six.
What other cars should I consider?
The Jaguar I-Pace is an obvious rival, although its iffy reliability reputation makes it difficult to recommend. Then there are the German competitors with the Mercedes EQB, BMW iX3, plus Audi’s Q4.
The BMW is certainly more efficient than most of these but the more modern Audi is are better packaged.
Don’t dismiss some off-piste choices too, such as the Polestar 2, which shares its mechanicals with the Volvo. If you’re not a badge snob then have a look at the Skoda Enyaq, Volkswagen ID.4,Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 too.
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