Subaru Solterra vs Volvo EC40

Side-by-Side Specs

Charging Speed

The Volvo EC40 has the higher published DC charging figure at 200 kW, which is roughly 33% higher than the Subaru Solterra at 150 kW. In practice, that figure only tells part of the story. The charging curve, battery temperature, and state of charge all affect how quickly your car actually charges.

For the published fast-charge window, the Volvo EC40 is listed at about 28 minutes, which is 2 minutes quicker than the Subaru Solterra at 30 minutes. On a road trip, that difference adds up over multiple stops.

Range and Efficiency

The Volvo EC40 has a WLTP rated range of approximately 500 km, which is roughly 85 km more than the Subaru Solterra at approximately 415 km. WLTP is a standardized lab test. Expect your actual range to be lower, varying with speed, weather, terrain, and driving style.

Efficiency matters more than battery size for daily driving costs. The Subaru Solterra consumes 186 Wh/km, compared to 188 Wh/km for the Volvo EC40. That means the Subaru Solterra uses less energy per kilometer, which translates to lower charging costs and fewer charging stops on longer drives.

A more efficient car does not always mean more range. Battery size plays a role too. The Volvo EC40 has approximately 79 kWh of useable battery , while the Subaru Solterra has approximately 69 kWh.

Which One Should You Choose?

If fast charging is your priority, the Volvo EC40 has the higher published DC figure (up to 200 kW) and the shorter published charge time at approximately 28 minutes. For long road trips, published stop time matters more than the headline kW number alone.

For AC charging (home wallboxes, workplace chargers, and public street chargers), the Volvo EC40 supports up to 11 kW, compared to up to 6.6 kW for the Subaru Solterra. In Europe, many public chargers are 22 kW AC, so this difference can matter at those locations if the higher AC figure is fitted on the car you buy.

If you mostly charge at home or at work and care more about daily driving costs, the Subaru Solterra is the more efficient choice at 186 Wh/km. Lower consumption means lower electricity bills over time.

For maximum range between charges, the Volvo EC40 has a WLTP rated range of approximately 500 km, which is roughly 85 km more. Both are capable EVs. The best choice depends on how you charge and how far you drive.