Research

Tesla Model Y vs Volvo EC40

Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y

Volvo EC40

Volvo EC40

Verdict

At RM195,450 versus RM248,888, the Tesla Model Y asks RM53,438 less yet is the quicker and larger car here: 0-100 km/h takes 5.9 seconds, top speed is 201 km/h and boot space is 854 litres. The Volvo EC40 answers with 488 km of range against 466 km, AWD instead of RWD, a five-year warranty and RM220 annual road tax. It is also much shorter, which helps in tight parking. The Tesla is the numbers play; the Volvo buys range, AWD and warranty.

Model Y

Pick the Tesla Model Y if you want the lower price, quicker 5.9-second 0-100 km/h time and a much bigger 854-litre boot.

EC40

Pick the Volvo EC40 if 488 km range, AWD and a five-year warranty matter more than pace and boot capacity.

Key differences

  • Price: Tesla Model Y RM195,450; Volvo EC40 RM248,888
  • 0-100 km/h: Tesla Model Y 5.9 s; Volvo EC40 7.3 s
  • EV range: Tesla Model Y 466 km; Volvo EC40 488 km
  • Driven wheels: Tesla Model Y rear-wheel drive; Volvo EC40 all-wheel drive
  • Size: Tesla Model Y 4,790 mm long with 2,891 mm wheelbase; Volvo EC40 4,440 mm long with 2,702 mm wheelbase
  • Boot space: Tesla Model Y 854 litres; Volvo EC40 413 litres
Price & overview
PriceRM 195,450RM 248,888
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentCompact ExecutiveCompact Executive
Seats55
AssemblyCBUCKD
Powertrain
FuelElectricElectric
MotorSingle motorSingle motor
Power235 hp
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticSingle Ratio Automatic
Driven wheelsRear Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance
0–100 km/h5.9 s7.3 s
Top speed201 km/h180 km/h
Efficiency
Battery70.0 kWh
EV range466 km488 km
Dimensions
Length4,790 mm4,440 mm
Width2,129 mm1,873 mm
Height1,624 mm1,582 mm
Wheelbase2,891 mm2,702 mm
Boot space854 L413 L
Safety
Airbags77
Auto emergency brakingYesYes
Ownership
Warranty45
Road tax / yearRM 305RM 220

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

Model Y

  • RM53,438 cheaper to buy
  • Quicker 5.9-second 0-100 km/h time
  • Much larger 854-litre boot
  • Shorter 466 km EV range
  • Rear-wheel drive only here
  • Four-year warranty versus Volvo’s five

EC40

  • Longer 488 km EV range
  • All-wheel drive
  • Five-year warranty and RM220 annual road tax
  • RM53,438 dearer
  • Slower 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time
  • 413-litre boot is far smaller

Model Y vs EC40 FAQ

Is the Tesla Model Y or Volvo EC40 better?

The Tesla Model Y is better on value, acceleration and boot space. The Volvo EC40 is better if you prioritise 488 km range, AWD and a five-year warranty. For most buyers, the Tesla’s RM53,438 saving is hard to ignore.

What is the price difference?

The Volvo EC40 costs RM53,438 more than the Tesla Model Y, based on RM248,888 versus RM195,450.

Which one is more practical?

The Tesla Model Y is the more practical cargo hauler, with 854 litres of boot space against the Volvo EC40’s 413 litres. It is also longer and wider, while the Volvo is easier to place in tighter spaces.

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