How do I get full range on EV after charging?

I have bought a 2025 Volvo EX40 extended range car. The estimated range is up to 356 miles on the Volvo website. When fully charged and after resetting trip meter I can never get it to register a potential range of more than 290 miles, which happens to be the estimated Volvo UK range of a standard range car. I have contacted the Volvo dealer to check that it is an extended range vehicle and they are little help. Why does it not start out at the estimated range? I realise that it is always going to actually achieve less than the idealistic figures but it does make me wonder if the car is as badged.

Asked on 27 April 2026 by David Hartford

Answered by David Ross
The displayed electric range, as with the remaining range or 'miles to empty' display on a petrol vehicle, is a calculation based on the available charge in the battery but also recent energy consumption, so a full charge will not necessarily produce an electric range figure that is equal to that quote by the manufacturer. When manufacturers advertise the available range of their vehicles it is always prefaced with 'up to XXX miles' to reflect the fact that available range is variable and impacted by battery health, ambient conditions and driving style and cannot be guaranteed under all circumstances.

While it is unlikely that you have been sold a standard range vehicle rather than an extended range model, we would suggest looking at the documentation supplied from new to confirm the model specification. You can also search online for a Volvo VIN decoder and check your vehicle's VIN which should give you a breakdown of its specification.
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