- Volvo is renaming two of its existing electric vehicles to differentiate them further from gas-powered models and to align them with upcoming EV nameplates.
- In the change, the XC40 Recharge becomes the EX40 and the C40 Recharge becomes the EC40.
- The “Recharge” badge is dropped from plug-in-hybrid models.
Volvo is getting its ducks in a row by renaming a few of its existing EVs to match the naming convention of upcoming electric-only models. For 2025, the XC40 Recharge will become the EX40, while the C40 Recharge will be renamed the EC40.
The new names should help differentiate the current crop of electric Volvos from their gasoline-powered counterparts; the gasoline-powered XC40, for instance, will continue with the same name. The new naming convention will put the electric Volvos in line with the upcoming EX30 and EX90 models, both of which are slated to arrive in the first half of this year.
New ‘Performance’ Package
The EX40 and EC40 won’t look different than their predecessors, other than new badges. The EX40 remains a square-backed electric subcompact SUV, while the EC40 is its slope-roofed but otherwise similar sibling. Volvo is also introducing of a new performance software package for select markets. Car and Driver reached out to Volvo to ask if that includes North America, but a spokesperson for the company declined to confirm at this time.
The upgrade increases the peak power output by 33 horsepower for the dual-motor AWD variant and tweaks the accelerator pedal mapping to provide quicker responses. Switching the car to a new “Performance” drive mode unlocks the peak power of 435 hp, up from the previous 402 in the dual-motor configuration. While the software pack will be available as an optional upgrade for customers shopping for a new 2025 model, existing owners of 2024 models will also be able to purchase and download the upgrade via Volvo’s app.
Other 2025 Changes
Following the introduction of the XC60 Black Edition from last year, the 2025 EX40, EC40, and XC40 models also add their own Black Editions. This adds Onyx Black paint plus gloss-black trim for the badges and 20-inch five-spoke wheels. It also offer a choice of two black interior upholstery options.
In addition to renaming these electric models, Volvo is also removing “Recharge” badging from its plug-in hybrid models. The PHEV powertrain is currently available in the U.S. on the XC90, XC60, S90, S60, and V60 models. The plug-in models will now be noted with only the T6 or T8 suffix to designate the powertrain.
Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.