Like other automakers, Volvo is reworking its naming scheme to distinguish its electric models.
If you step into a Volvo showroom right now, it can be a bit confusing to land on the exact car you may be looking for. It was simple enough not too long ago to pick your “S” model for sedan, a “V” model for your wagon or the “XC” if you want a crossover. But now, you have the “Recharge” name in there, and that can signify either a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric model, in the case of the XC40 and C40 Recharge. Then you have your standard, gasoline-powered XC40/C40 configurations…Well, Volvo is looking to make it a little bit easier to tell the electric models apart with new “EX40” and “EC40” designations.
Those names replace the former XC40 Recharge and its coupe-like C40 Recharge sibling, while bringing both models neatly into line with the smaller EX30, the larger EX90 and the EM90 minivan Volvo plans to market overseas (but, unfortunately, not in the U.S.). Volvo officially made this change for the UK market first, though it’s a virtual certainty we’ll see this name change filter over to American-market versions as well.
Apart from the name change, a couple other minor changes appear to be on the docket for upcoming EX40 and EC40 models. First is a software upgrade called the “Performance” pack. Available on 2023-and-newer Twin Motor models, the update boosts power output by 34 horsepower (25 kW), up to a total of 436 horsepower when in the special Performance drive mode, while also sharpening up throttle response. In the spirit of other recent Volvo crossovers, both models also get a “Black Edition” package which does exactly what the name implies. You get Onyx Black paint, high-gloss black badging and bespoke 20-inch black wheels paired with textile or “microtech” charcoal interiors.
Check out more on what is soon to be the Volvo EX40 in the video below:
