Is Volvo’s EX60 the Answer to EV Range Anxiety and Compromise?

Volvo’s research shows EV buyers still feel they are ‘making a compromise’

When prospective owners compare a traditional petrol SUV with an electric model, a common question is: does switching to an EV mean accepting a compromise? Volvo’s latest research confirms that many customers moving from a gasoline‑powered car to an electric vehicle still experience concerns about range and charging convenience.

Who did Volvo talk to?

The Swedish manufacturer surveyed current owners of the XC60 who were interested in an electric alternative, as well as drivers who had previously owned Volvo’s first‑generation electric cars – the XC40 Recharge/EX40 and the C40 Recharge/EC40. Across both groups, respondents recognised the environmental benefits of electrification, but repeatedly cited range anxiety and the difficulty of locating chargers as barriers to a seamless ownership experience.

Key quotes from the EX60 launch

“When they chose to make a move from a gasoline car to an electric car, it always felt like a compromise,” explained Akhil Krishnan, Volvo product line owner for the 60 series, during the UK media launch of the EX60. He added that “the anxiety with range was a real problem, and the inconvenience of finding chargers, especially on road trips or family outings, weighed heavily on customers.”

How the EX60 aims to remove the compromise

Volvo’s answer is to combine a longer electric range with faster charging, without simply fitting a larger, heavier battery. The entry‑level P6 rear‑wheel‑drive version promises up to 380 miles of range, while the all‑wheel‑drive P10 can cover around 410 miles. A higher‑spec P12 model, slated for delivery later this year or early 2027, is claimed to exceed 500 miles on a single charge.

Fast charging is positioned as equally important: drivers should be able to stop for a break and continue their journey without waiting for a prolonged recharge. Volvo deliberately avoided the approach of installing a very large battery, because doing so would increase vehicle weight and cost – factors that could negate the price parity they aim to maintain with the existing XC60 plug‑in hybrid.

Pricing and market positioning

Volvo has set the EX60’s price to sit on a similar level to the current XC60 plug‑in hybrid. The rear‑wheel‑drive P6 Plus starts at £56,860**, while the top‑spec Ultra P12 all‑wheel‑drive is priced from **£70,360**. By delivering a longer range, faster charging and a comparable price, Volvo hopes to convince potential buyers that an EV no longer requires a compromise in everyday usability.

What this means for UK buyers and dealers

For UK consumers, the EX60 represents a concrete attempt to answer the question, “Will an electric SUV meet my long‑distance and family‑travel needs without extra hassle?” Dealers can highlight the model’s range figures, charging speed and price parity when discussing the transition from petrol to electric with customers who have expressed reservations.

Volvo also suggests that the EX60 will help shift the broader market perception that moving to an electric vehicle inevitably means sacrificing convenience. By addressing the two primary pain points identified in its research – range anxiety and charging inconvenience – the company aims to make the EV switch feel like an upgrade rather than a compromise.

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For the full story, see the original article on Car Dealer Magazine.