Volvo Cars began building electric vehicles earlier than you might expect. In 1976, Volvo introduced the electric prototype called the Elbil. There were two initial prototypes: a two-seater transport version for mail delivery and a four-seater city car. At the time, electric cars were perceived as slow, heavy, and slow to charge, so, unsurprisingly, they were not taken seriously compared to petrol or diesel cars on the market.

In 2021, Volvo announced its commitment to becoming a leader in the premium electric car market, with plans to become a fully electric company by 2030. This means the company intends to sell only fully electric cars and phase out all petrol and diesel cars, eventually including hybrids. Currently, Volvo offers four electric models: the EC40, EX30, EX90, and the EX40. In this blog, we will explore all of the electric Volvo models currently on the market. We will look at performance on different roads, interior design, infotainment and how much it would cost you to salary sacrifice each model.

At The Electric Car Scheme, you can lease any Volvo and save 30-60% by saving on national insurance and income tax. Every company can offer an electric car salary sacrifice scheme to help employees on their journey to net zero. This can make your team feel rewarded, and improve your environmental, social, and governance goals, and The Electric Car Scheme is a cost-neutral benefit to set up and run.

The electric Volvo’s available to salary sacrifice:

EC40
EX40
EX30
EX90

EC40

Previously known as the C40, the EC40 has shed the 'Recharge' naming convention. The C40 was first released in March 2021. The EC40 crossover is "designed for all the ways you live life," featuring smart technology and bold styling. Following a 2023 update, the Volvo EC40 now offers more range than before, with three battery options: the 69kWh battery in the Plus model, the 78kWh battery in the Extended Range and Extended Range Ultra models, and the 82kWh battery in the Twin Plus and Twin Ultra models.

The 82kWh battery can achieve 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is extremely fast, while the other two batteries can achieve this in approximately 7.3 seconds. The range varies between 300 and 340 miles. Plug into a 7kW home wallbox, and you'll replenish the EC40's battery overnight. Find a 150kW DC rapid charger, and it will be topped up from 10% to 80% in under half an hour for all models.

Model	Battery	0-62mph	Range	Cost per month
Plus	69kWh	7.3 seconds	300 miles	£565
Extended Range	78kWh	7.3 seconds	346 miles	£589
Twin Plus	82kWh	4.7 seconds	340 miles	£596
Extended Range Ultra	78kWh	7.3 seconds	341 miles	£626
Twin Ultra	82kWh	4.7 seconds	336 miles	£630

There are a rear-wheel drive option with a single motor at the back of the car as well as a four-wheel drive model with two motors at both ends. Volvo also says both models are more efficient than before, promising 3.7mi/kWh for the dual-motor, which is average for this type of car.

What’s it like to drive?

There are two choices when it comes to driving modes in the EC40. You can either opt for the standard setup or choose one-pedal braking, using the regenerative technology onboard to conserve as much energy as possible. The suspension has been well-engineered for town driving. For an EV, it’s not too firm and handles any unwanted undulations really well.

The steering is light but has enough feel and accuracy when cornering, moving between lanes, or navigating a roundabout. Front visibility is also a plus point in the EC40. Sitting high up, you get a good view of the road ahead and out of the sides of the car. The front pillars are fairly large, but this is offset by fairly large door mirrors. Turning circles are a big selling point for cars designed for town driving. The EC40’s 11.4m turning circle is excellent.

On the motorway, there’s plenty to like about the EC40. It is very quiet while on the move, with the only real noise being a bit of wind buffeting around the wing mirrors. The four-wheel-drive model, with its extra power, is ideal for those spending a lot of time on motorways or A-roads, making overtaking easier and adding an extra element of fun. Either model offers comfort and ease for long journeys, though higher speeds may impact the driving range. On a twisty road, the EC40 is steady through corners and provides enough resistance to be enjoyable when needed. It’s competent and, in our opinion, much better-looking than some other options.

Space inside the Volvo EC40

Inside, the EC40 offers ample storage space with large door bins and plenty of compartments. Two cupholders are in the centre console in front of the large storage area in the front armrest. The car features a 12-volt charger, wireless smartphone charging (and two USB sockets), and a space to stand your phone for navigation. As the driver, you can easily adjust your seating position with plenty of head and legroom available, and the seat adjustments are electronic.

In the back, there is plenty of legroom, though the sloping roofline limits headroom, which may be uncomfortable for anyone over 6 feet tall. Although the EC40 is based on the petrol XC40 and has a transmission tunnel running through the car, this space is now redundant in the electric model. This presents a missed opportunity to make the floor flat and more comfortable for the middle rear passenger. However, the back features an armrest that folds down in the middle seat space, with two cupholders for rear passengers.

The EC40 is equipped with ISOFIX fittings with flip-up covers, essential for families with small children. The door bins in the back are lined, and there are also nets on the back of the seats. Additionally, there are 12V chargers, USB ports, and in some models, rear heated seats.

The boot of the EC40 offers 413 litres of space, which is a decent size and features a flat floor for easy access. Additional storage is available when you lift up the floor of the boot, useful for storing valuables. A standout feature of the EC40 is the front boot, which provides 31 litres of space for storing charging cables—a feature not commonly found in other EVs. The rear seats can be easily folded flat, expanding the capacity to 1,205 litres. While this is smaller compared to competitors, it still offers ample room for most needs.

Interior and infotainment in the EC40

The EC40 is similar to the EX40 inside, featuring vegan leather as standard on all models, appealing panelling, and a well-designed dashboard. The interior feels high-quality. The infotainment system is user-friendly and operated from a single portrait screen that resembles an iPad. All the controls, including the climate control, are managed through this screen, which can be fiddly, especially while driving.

The driver's display is large, detailed, and clear. There is an option to view the map across the entire screen, which is useful if you are unfamiliar with the area. You can choose between different screen options to customise it to suit your preferences.

Lease a Volvo EC40 from The Electric Car Scheme

Volvo EX40

The Volvo EX40 is the same car as the Volvo XC40 Recharge, but it was renamed in 2024 to take the same naming convention as the other electric Volvo’s currently on the market. There are some differences between the EX40 and XC40, inside it has all of the latest technology but on the outside, it looks the same.

The Volvo EX40 has an RRP range of £45,955 to £61,855 but if you lease it through The Electric Car Scheme you could save x per month. The EX40 is very fast because it has a motor at each axle, which means it has extra power and can achieve 62mph in 4.8 seconds. If you charge your EX40 using a fast charger, you can expect to go from 10-80% in 30 minutes or if you use a wall box, you’ll reach 100% in 11 hours, approximately.

Model	Battery	0-62mph	Range	Cost per month
Single Motor Core	69kWh	7.3 seconds	296 miles	£522
Extended Range Core	78kWh	7.3 seconds	343 miles	£543
Single Motor Plus	69kWh	7.3 seconds	296 miles	£555
Extended Range Plus	78kWh	7.3 seconds	343 miles	£575
Twin Motor Plus	82kWh	4.8 seconds	323 miles	£582
Extended Range Ultra	78kWh	7.3 seconds	343 miles	£612
Twin Motor Ultra	82kWh	4.8 seconds	323 miles	£612

What’s the EX40 like to drive?

A relatively compact SUV with electric power is an excellent choice for town driving. The high seating position enhances visibility, and the instant-on nature of the electric motor lets you zip in and out of gaps effortlessly. Single-motor models offer a smooth drive, meeting the needs of urban commuters. The EX40 handles broken road surfaces comfortably, with the larger 20-inch wheels on the top two trims adding a touch of style. You get plenty of driver aids to help navigate the urban environment, including emergency brake assist, rear park assist, and road sign information data as standard.

On the motorway, the EX40 excels, offering a serene cruising experience. Its quiet cabin minimises road and wind noise, and the powerful electric motor makes overtaking easy. Although, like all EVs, long stints at motorway speeds will drain the battery more quickly than stop-start driving at town speeds.

Above 40 mph, driver alert control with lane-keeping mitigation will alert you if you wander out of your lane. Oncoming lane mitigation, active between 37 and 87 mph, adds to this feature by actively steering you back into your lane if it detects a potential collision with oncoming vehicles.

On twisty roads, the EX40’s design ensures a stable and controlled ride. The low-placed battery pack contributes to good grip levels, and even though there is some body lean, the overall driving experience remains confident. The EX40 handles bumps and undulations with ease, providing a smooth and comfortable journey.

Space and practicality of the EX40

The EX40 has a tall roofline, making it feel spacious, especially when sitting in the back. Both front seats offer lumbar support, manual cushion extensions, and height adjustability, ensuring you can get comfortable in the front. There is also plenty of storage in the front, with the centre console offering two cupholders and a shelf underneath the audio controls for keeping your phone. Wireless charging is available on all trims. The front door pockets are deep and lined—you could even fit a bag in them! The front armrest lifts to reveal another sizable storage area, and the glovebox can hold smaller belongings, keeping them out of the way.

In the back, there is plenty of room for three people due to the car's width. There is ample leg and headroom, although a slight bulge on the floor may affect the person sitting in the middle slightly. You can also pull down a central armrest with two cupholders inside. The boot offers 461 litres of space, which is larger than the EC40 and enough room for transporting luggage. The boot is also wide and square, making it easy to load items.

Much like the EC40, the EX40 makes the most of the space where the engine in a petrol or diesel car would go, providing an extra 31 litres of storage space under the bonnet for storing your charging cables. Some SUV competitors offer more space than the EX40, such as the Audi Q4 e-tron (520 litres) or the BMW iX3 (510 litres).

Interior and infotainment

As mentioned earlier, the EX40 is very well equipped with new technology, even from the Core trim. It features comfortable textile-covered seats and a 9.0-inch infotainment screen with a 12.0-inch driver display. Inside, the materials feel premium and plush. If you opt for the Ultimate trim, you will get light wool-blend seat trims along with a panoramic sunroof. An illuminated strip of trim extends across the doors and dashboard, making the cabin feel more interesting and slightly lighter.

The 9.0-inch infotainment screen comes as standard, along with a sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and DAB radio, as you would expect. Operating the screen on the move may be a bit challenging because everything is controlled through the infotainment screen. You also get an 8-speaker audio system as standard, but if you upgrade to the Ultimate trim, you can choose to get a Harman Kardon sound system.

Save 30-60% on a Volvo EX40

Pay £543 for a Volvo EX40 and save hundreds every month through salary sacrifice. With The Electric Car Scheme, you will receive the best prices on electric cars available in the market, unrivalled protection against unexpected costs, and a trusted 5* service that goes above and beyond your expectations.

Volvo EX30

The EX30 is coined by Volvo as being a “big electric performance in a small package” and is the smallest in the lineup of Volvo SUVs on offer at the moment. Its main competitors are the Kia Niro EV or the Renault Megane E-Tech.

Model	Battery Size	0-62mph	Range	Cost per month
Single Motor Plus	51kWh	5.7 seconds	209 miles	£395
SM Extended Range Plus	69kWh	5.3 seconds	296 miles	£431
Twin Motor Performance Plus	69kWh	3.6 seconds	280 miles	£435
SM Extended Range Ultra	69kWh	5.3 seconds	295 miles	£469
Twin Motor Performance Ultra	69kWh	3.6 seconds	279 miles	£473

There are three battery options to choose from: standard, long-range or performance. The long-range version has a mileage of 298 miles whereas the entry-level model will achieve 214 miles. This car is comfortable and is a great value for money as it costs less than similarly sized alternatives. It has a RRP range of £33,795 to £44,495.

Driving the EX30

The Volvo EX30 feels perfectly at home when driving around town. The low dashboard ensures great visibility, even if the front pillars are a bit chunky and the rear window is quite small. Despite this, it’s easy to manoeuvre into tight spots, and the light steering makes it effortless to navigate through rush-hour traffic. One-pedal driving, which brings the car to a complete stop when you lift off, adds to the convenience.

The EX30 impressively handles bumps in the road, providing a comfortable ride without crashing or thudding through the cabin when encountering potholes or speed bumps. It offers a relaxing, refined driving experience akin to that of a larger, more luxurious SUV. That comfort continues on the motorway, where the comfortable seats make long journeys a breeze. Despite being a small SUV, its airy interior prevents the feeling of being cooped up after hours behind the wheel. There is a bit of wind and tyre noise, but nothing significant.

The motors respond instantly in the more powerful Performance version, making overtaking or merging into traffic effortless. The single-motor version isn’t quite as rapid but still has ample power. Adaptive cruise control comes standard as part of Volvo’s Pilot Assist system, which includes a lane-keeping assistant that keeps you in your lane without being intrusive. Although the adaptive cruise control may occasionally slow down for no apparent reason, it quickly returns to cruising speed.

Despite its focus on comfort, the Volvo EX30 is enjoyable on twisty roads, especially in the Performance version, which delivers a thrilling burst of power when accelerating out of corners. While it’s not designed to be driven like a sports car, and the tyres may struggle for grip with noticeable body lean, it remains confident overall. The light steering can make precise control tricky at speed, but adjusting the settings to 'firm' helps, though it may be more difficult to do on the move.

Space inside the EX30

The space in the front is good, with adjustability in the seat and steering wheel making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. There is storage where the armrest would usually be, accessible to those in the back. Two cupholders will pop out when you press a button and can be positioned to have either one or both out. There is a long tray for loose items like keys or spare change, as well as some USB-C sockets and a wireless charging area with space for two phones.

In the back, legroom is tight, but headroom is very good, so it doesn’t feel claustrophobic overall. If you regularly carry two or three people in the back or frequently take longer car journeys, you may want to choose a more spacious option. It is easy to fit a child seat in the back with ISOFIX mounting points and a wide door opening, but you may need to move one of the front seats forward, which could make the journey less comfortable for the person in the front.

Interior and infotainment

The inside of the Volvo EX30 is minimalistic and appears effortless with its swooping dashboard, vertical air vents, and 12.3-inch portrait touchscreen. The floating armrests in the doors and chrome door handles give it a futuristic and well-thought-out feel. Although there are occasional scratchy plastics, the cabin overall feels high-quality. The infotainment system is big, bright, and easy to use. Integrated with Google, it includes Google Maps and Spotify, and you can download more apps to customise it to your preferences. You can still connect to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but this isn’t as much of a necessity.

It can be slightly frustrating to control everything through the infotainment system, including the mirrors and glovebox. The speedometer is also on this screen, which means you might be turning your head more than necessary. You would get used to controlling everything through the screen eventually, but it can be a bit of a shock for someone new to EVs or the EX30.

Salary sacrifice an EX30 from The Electric Car Scheme

Switching to an electric car is one of the most significant ways you can make a positive change towards net zero. We want to make it cheaper and easier than any other option. Salary sacrifice makes this possible, allowing employees to save 30-60% on any electric car by reducing your salary in exchange for an electric car as a benefit. As you can see below, you can save a significant amount every month through salary sacrifice. Visit our quote tool to see how much you could save.

Volvo EX90

The Volvo EX90 is a premium 7-seater SUV that is said to “define a new era for safety”, by demonstrating current safety and sustainability technology. It was released this year, after first being revealed in November 2022. and replaced the X90. Its main competitors include the Mercedes EQS SUV, the BMW iX and the Audi Q8 e-tron. It has a box-like, upright silhouette. It will be available with a 111kWh battery and a range of up to 364 miles.

Model	Battery Size	0-62mph	Range	Cost per month
Twin Motor Ultra	111kWh	5.9 seconds	364 miles	£1,156
Twin Motor Performance Ultra	111kWh	4.9 seconds	360 miles	£1,207

The highest trim level is Ultra, which includes 22-inch alloy wheels, a four-zone climate system, active air suspension, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, a panoramic roof, and additional safety features.

Inside the EX90

Models of the EX90 available from The Electric Car Scheme

Inside the Volvo EX90, the minimalistic theme from Volvo continues with a 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard and very few physical buttons. Volvo claims the interior has been inspired by the "Scandinavian living room… showcasing a modern, luxurious and un-cluttered interior design with high-quality Wool Blend or Nordico upholstery options." The EX90 is very spacious, with room for seven. The boot can hold 310 litres with all seats in place, but if you fold the third row, you get 650 litres.

The safety technology inside the EX90 is impressive. Multiple cameras and radars provide a 360-degree view outside the car, and the car monitors check if you’re getting distracted or tired while driving. If you feel ill or fall asleep, the EX90 will stop and call for help. Inside the cabin, LED lights mimic sunlight to create the illusion of natural light, reducing eyestrain and the headaches that can result from blue light exposure from screens.

Lease a Volvo EX90 from The Electric Car Scheme

As shown in this blog, you can save hundreds every month on the price of an EV lease. Hear from Matt who summarises the key benefits of offering an EV salary sacrifice scheme to employees!