Volvo EX40

Volvo’s first all-battery powered offering has a new name. The Recharge was new to the market for the 2021 model year, and was a key moment for the quintessential Swedish brand as it electrified its vehicle lineup, moving toward the goals of product lineup that doesn’t use gasoline. It’s still around, but now known as the EX40.

How it looks when you see it on the street: Hej, Scandinavia! It looks nearly identical to the gasoline-powered version of the XC40, so we’ll start there. It’s an attractive crossover (translate small SUV) that bellows, “The cold doesn’t bother me anyway!”

How it makes you feel when you get in: Cozy, like a big warm charcoal-gray afghan. The interior balances out simple modernity with light and shadow through the panoramic roof. Volvo favors the flash of screens from the 12.3-inch gauge behind the steering wheel to the 9-inch touchscreen on the dash. Our model had a solid Harman Kardan sound system and over-the-air update capabilities.

How it drives: This Volvo has quite a bit of verve. We zipped around suburban Jersey and felt a palpable sense of zing that’s anything but suburban. Worth noting that Volvo says it charges up to 80% in 40 minutes using a 150-kilowatt DC fast charger. Fully charged you can go for about 293 miles without plugging in.

Space for people and things: It’s got trunk space working in its favor, on par with the gasoline model. (Not all battery models have been able to work with proportions.) It’s got plenty of storage for kids’ stuff and things for schlepping. 

Best Features: The Android Automotive operating system. Volvo has given to the inevitable: Google does software better. 

How much does it cost: The most recent model we tested - twin motor and ultra - was priced at $62,045.