Could a premium electric vehicle transform the often chaotic experience of a family road trip into a serene journey? Hannah Britt, a mum of two and a family travel expert, put that theory to the test, taking a Volvo EX40 on a real-world adventure from her home in Manchester to Newcastle.
From School Runs to Long Hauls: The Family Verdict
Hannah, who only passed her driving test in May 2024 aged 34, is a self-confessed unlikely 'carfluencer'. Her usual family car is an ageing Honda CRV, so the arrival of a sleek, Vapour Grey Volvo EX40 – a fully electric vehicle with a retail price around £58,110 – was a notable event. Volvo's hope was that the car would make travelling with her two young children less stressful.
The first trial was a week of school runs. Hannah found the EX40 incredibly responsive, comfortable, and spacious. The boot easily accommodated a large Bugaboo pram, and Cybex car seats were simple to install. The luxurious, all-black interior felt a world away from the crumb-filled reality of life with a five-year-old, Molly, and an 18-month-old, Poppy.
The Holistic Safety Cocoon on the Road to Newcastle
The Volvo EX40 is packed with advanced safety technology designed for peace of mind. Its comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Blind Spot Information (BLIS), Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, and Collision Avoidance with auto-braking. It also features a strong protective structure and multiple airbags.
This 'holistic' approach extends to cabin features like air purification and child locks. The effect was palpable during the weekend trip. Cocooned in the comfortable back seats, both children fell asleep within minutes of the three-hour drive to Newcastle, only waking when the family stopped at Wetherby services.
Charging Realities and a Snowy Return Journey
The stop at services highlighted a key consideration for EV owners with families. While Hannah notes that stopping with young children for snacks or nappy changes is inevitable, the need to charge – and the fact that electricity prices have doubled since 2022 – remains a factor. However, by the time the family had used the facilities, the car had sufficient charge to continue.
Over the weekend, the car handled local trips with ease, only needing a top-up on the third day. The real test came on the return journey to Manchester, when it began to snow. Unlike her older Honda, the Volvo's reliable heating and seat warmers ensured a cosy, safe drive home.
So, did the Volvo EX40 reduce road trip stress? For Hannah's family, the answer was a clear yes. With the children asleep, she and her partner, John, swapped nursery rhymes for Noel Gallagher and enjoyed a peaceful chat all the way home. The experiment suggested that for UK families, the right EV can indeed bring a new level of calm to the classic road trip.
