I got the compact 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge SUV EV for testing at a critical time for the all-electric vehicle market. The same day, J.D. Power reported that EV demand is cooling. Its 2024 Electric Vehicle Consideration Study had just found that interest in buying EVs has dropped for the first time since the annual survey began in 2021. Reasons include continuing higher prices compared to gas-powered vehicles and the ongoing lack of available public charging stations, contributing to range anxiety.
Doubters who spend much time with the Volvo C40 Recharge might change their minds, however. Yes, with a starting price of around $55,000, it is expensive, but not necessarily for a genuine luxury vehicle with practically every advanced automotive technology. And it has so much range on a full charge, I was able to drive it for days without recharging, including a 100-plus mile round trip to another city for a community festival without any worries.
But more than that, the compact SUV was always fun to drive. It looked sporty and was surprisingly roomy for such a small vehicle, with the kind of comfortable and supportive seats Volvo is known for. It also accelerated smartly, had a firm but not harsh suspension, and cornered well, even though it was not the most powerful or all-wheel-drive equipped version.
According to the build sheet, my version was a new model this year, the awkwardly named 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Single Electric Motor Extended Range Ultimate. In plain terms, that meant it came with one rear-mounted electric that generates 248 horsepower and 310 foot-pounds of torque, along with the largest available battery pack that the EPA estimates at up to 297 miles of electric range, plus some upgrades like a large sunroof (and including the trademark crystal shift knob). It was priced at $59,995 before incentives, which are unfortunately unclear at this time.
More powerful and all-wheel-drive versions are also available, although they have less range and cost more. But honestly, almost anyone interested in a compact luxury EV SUV should be happy with my test version.
One thing takes a little getting used to, however. It has no start button. If you’ve got the fob on you, the C40 Recharge turns on when you open the door and get inside. It turns off when you leave, whether or not you lock it. I’ll admit I was a little nervous walking away the first few times (especially because the radio doesn’t immediately shut off), but it always had roughly the same remaining range when I returned, even after leaving it unplugged overnight.
Speaking of range, EV novices are likely to be a little confused about the EPA ratings on this and every other all-electric vehicles. The EPA says the C40 Recharge will go up to 297 miles on a full charge, but I never saw more than 250 after leaving it plugged in overnight. The additional miles are provided by the regenerative braking system while driving. The range shown on the gauge package frequently crept up as I drove it around, although exactly how much more I was getting was impossible to determine because I wasn’t willing to let it completely draw the battery down and check how far I’d gone.
The C40 Recharge is closely related to the larger all-electric Volvo CX40 SUV. The squared off rear end is replaced with a shorter, sloped hatchback that gives the C40 a sportier appearance, although it sacrifices some cargo space. The rear seat is still very room for a compact SUV, however.
Other than that, the C40 shares the standard rear and optional electric motors with the CX40 that give it AWD. The batteries are under the floor and center tunnel, creating a spacious interior and a front-trunk (frunk) instead of an engine compartment. The low center of gravity gives both balanced handling, good grip in curves, and responsive steering.
The interiors are also groundbreaking. Unlike other Volvos, there is no leather. Instead, it is covered with high-quality wool and synthetic materials made from recycled water bottles, used wine corks, and other sustainable materials. It still feels very upscale, however.
Volvo made its reputation building safe if boring vehicles. The company's earlier boxy cars and wagons appealed to families who appreciated their advanced safety features. The C40 and CX40 both continue this tradition with Top Safety Pick+ ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Their advanced safety and driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping, and more.
Volvo was one of the first companies to offer large, touch control infotainment displays in the center of their dashes. The first versions were honestly tricky to use for anyone who didn’t already have an iPad. The C40 Recharge comes more a more reasonable 12.3-inch display running Volvo Cars newest, much easier to use system that includes Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM radio. Though still not the easiest to use in the world, the company at least offers one of the increasingly rare physical volume control knobs for the excellent stereo.
All-electric vehicles are not – and in my opinion, never will be – for most buyers. Their costs are not coming down fast enough and the majority of owners will always want a convenient and reliable home-based recharger, like a Level 2 charger in their garage or at least near their driveway.
But many more potential buyers would be tempted to take the plunge if they could spend some quality time with any version of the 2024 C40 Recharge or CX40 Recharge. Volvo deserves credit for applying its years of quality production into the EV market.
2024 Volvo C40 Recharge
Base price: $54,895 (Single Electric Motor Core - before incentives)
Price as tested: $59,995 (Single Electric Motor Extended Range Ultimate - before incentives)
Type: Compact EV crossover
Engine: Single electric motor (248 hp, 310 lbs-ft)
Transmission: Direct drive
EPA estimated range: 297 miles
Overall length: 174.8 inches
Curb weight: 4,700 pounds
Final assembly: Ghent, Belgium
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