Volvo EC40

Report 1: What's in a name? The Volvo EC40 joins us for the next 12 months

We're running the newly renamed Volvo EC40 for the next 12 months as our household switches to two fully electric cars. How will the transition go?

Date: 4 November 2024 | Current mileage: 264 | Claimed efficiency: 3.6 miles/kWh | Actual efficiency: 3.4 miles/kWh

Having gone from electric to diesel power over the past 12 months, I'm now switching back to an EV - in the shape of the Volvo EC40 which replaces the diesel Mazda CX-60 on the HonestJohn long term fleet.

First off you may be wondering about the name. Yes this did used to be called the C40 Recharge but a few months ago Volvo changed the naming system. It binned off the word Recharge and renamed the electric versions of both the Volvo XC40 and C40. The former is now called the EX40 with the 'coupe' version that we're running renamed the Volvo EC40. 

It means that Volvo models will no longer feature 'Recharge' badging. Handy as it was very confusing when it was used on both fully electric and plug-in hybrid models.

Our EC40 is the higher specification Ultra trim which adds extras like pixel LED headlights, a 360 camera and the Harman Kardon Premium sound system. We've also gone for the more powerful Twin Motor version with all-wheel drive. Finished in Sage Green with Tailored Wool Blend seats, the total list price is £61,855. 

We've got the Volvo EC40 for the next 12 months and it signifies a big change on our household. Having parted ways with our ageing Audi Q7 which was becoming increasingly expensive to maintain, we made the move to electric, buying a used Audi e-tron 50. And with the arrival of the Volvo EC40 it means that both the cars on our drive are now electric. 

For us, the move to an EV is a no brainer. Last year the Q7 covered less than 3000 miles, which is not good for a diesel. Most of our journeys are local with a regular 100 mile-round trip to see relatives. So our own car spends most of its time covering short mileages - ideal for an EV.

That's not to say it's not slightly daunting. We do have trips to Cornwall, Northumberland and a holiday to Holland in the pipeline for the next six months - but all will just require a bit more planning than before. Hopefully we won't regret selling our old diesel.

However, we're already enjoying cheaper running costs thanks to our OVO Anytime tariff (more on that later) and certainly not missing getting diesel on our hands everytime we fill up at the local Esso. So far the switch the EV is looking positive. Let's see how that pans out over the next year...