Every day seems to bring a new EV to the market, which means that some electric vehicles can get lost in the shuffle. That seems to have happened to the Volvo C40 Recharge; a luxury EV often overlooked in a crowded field. So, how does the C40 Recharge compare with other electric SUVs on the market, such as the Tesla Model Y? It turns out, the Volvo C40 Recharge makes a great alternative to the Tesla. Here are some of the reasons why. 

1. The Volvo C40 Recharge is more affordable

Cost is a big concern for most consumers, especially these days, as prices on both new and used cars soar. So, we’re sure that anyone choosing between the Volvo C40 Recharge and the Tesla Model Y will pay some attention to the price.

When it comes to MSRP, the Volvo C40 Recharge comes out ahead. According to Edmunds, the 2022 C40 Recharge starts at $58,750. Including the basic Protection Package will add $310 to the cost (or more for the Protection Package Premiere). Other optional add-ons include an illuminated tailgate plate for $530 and a foldable trailer hitch for $1,245. 

No matter how you slice it, the 2022 Tesla Model Y will cost the consumer significantly more. Edmunds lists its MSRP at $69,990. So, anyone looking at these vehicles will need to consider whether the Tesla Model Y can justify more than $10,000 in additional cost. 

2. The Tesla Model Y takes longer to charge

Charging time is another primary consideration for purchasers of electric vehicles. It can make all the difference when using these vehicles for longer trips, as delays for recharging can add significant time to the overall journey.

Regarding charging time, there’s no question which of these two vehicles comes out ahead. Edmunds indicates that the Volvo C40 Recharge has an EPA estimated time to recharge of eight hours at 240V. The Tesla Model Y, meanwhile, takes nearly 12 hours. With the Tesla Model Y taking almost 50% longer, it’s easy to imagine that frequent long-distance travelers could prefer the Volvo (though these times could be reduced with the use of higher-capacity public recharging stations). 

3. The Volvo C40 Recharge still comes with a tax credit

Finally, the Volvo C40 Recharge has one other significant advantage over the Tesla Model Y. According to Consumer Reports, there are still tax credits available for the purchase of the Volvo EV. In contrast, all tax credits for Tesla purchases have already been utilized. 

Just what does the federal EV tax credit entail? In certain instances, it will provide a new EV buyer with rebates of up to $7,500. To receive the rebate, the car buyer must ensure that their purchase meets several conditions. 

A vehicle will only qualify for the rebate, for example, if its manufacturer has sold fewer than 200,000 units. That is why Teslas are no longer generally eligible for the rebate. The rebates also only apply to EVs bought in or after 2010.

In addition, the EV’s battery must come with more than four kilowatt-hours, and the purchased vehicle must meet Clean Air Act requirements and not weigh over 14,000 pounds.

While these are quite a few requirements to meet, the Volvo C40 Recharge fits the bill, so consumers can expect their actual purchase price to come out significantly lower than the MSRP. 

With all of these advantages, it’s easy to see why consumers should consider purchasing a Volvo C40 Recharge over a Tesla. It could save them both significant money and significant recharging time.