Volvo Reduces Confusion by Updating its Naming Strategy
March 12 2024,
With the goal of reducing confusion and streamlining its electric lineup, Volvo will rename the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge electric crossovers for the 2025 model year. Here are some details about this and other changes made to Volvo models:
Say hello to the EX40 and EC40
The 2025 model year will bring two new nameplates to the Volvo lineup, but they will be applied to cars that are already known and loved. Indeed, the existing XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge electric crossovers will be renamed EX40 and EC40 respectively. This will help make it easier to identify these two models as electric vehicles than before, while also providing continuity with the upcoming EX30 and EX90 EVs which will reach our showroom later this year.
The 2025 Volvo EX40 and EC40 will also be available with a new Performance Pack software which will boost the output of the Twin-motor version by 34 horsepower, for a total of 436 horsepower. This impressive output will be available when the included “Performance” drive mode is selected. This new drive mode will also change the throttle mapping of the accelerator to provide an even more dynamic feel.
Say goodbye to the Recharge name
In addition to having been removed from the electric XC40 and C40, the Recharge brand name has also been retired from plug-in hybrid models, which means that no 2025 Volvo vehicle will be called Recharge. Instead, plug-in hybrid powertrains from Volvo will now be named simply T6 and T8, with the number representing two different power levels.
Furthermore, Volvo is committed to refining its hybrid offerings. The B5 mild hybrid gasoline variants of XC60 and XC90 now feature a more efficient engine combustion cycle, translating to a noteworthy reduction of CO2 emissions and an increase in fuel efficiency of about 2% for the XC90 and 4% for the XC60.
In conclusion, Volvo's revamped naming strategy not only clears up some confusion that had been instilled by the varied use of the Recharge name, but it also shows the brand’s commitment to electrification by further incorporating the EX40 with its other electric models, branching away from its gasoline-powered counterpart.