Volvo Drops Recharge Suffix From XC40, C40 EVs

In a bid to standardise model names for its all-electric models, Volvo has dropped the Recharge suffix and renamed the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge as the EX40 and EC40, respectively. While Volvo Car India is yet to announce the name change for these models, expect it to happen later this year. 

This new nomenclature for the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge now fits into the naming scheme for its newest EVs – EX30, EX90 and EM90. However, the XC40 name has been retained for its ICE-powered version. 

Volvo is betting big on going fully electric by 2030 and says its all-electric models comprised 16 per cent of its global sales in 2023, a year-on-year growth of 70 per cent. In India, Volvo sold 690 units of the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, making up almost 30 per cent of the marque’s sales. 

Along with dropping the Recharge suffix from its EVs, Volvo is removing it from the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. These models will now only T6 or T8 suffix, depending on the power output.  

Björn Annwall, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO, Volvo, said, “By aligning our trailblazing first electric models with the rest of our electric car portfolio, we simplify choice for consumers as we continue to electrify our line-up and refresh our hybrids.”

The twin motor variants of the EX40 and EC40 will also be getting a new Performance software pack. This increases the power output by 25 bhp and Volvo claims this will result in better acceleration. Furthermore, with the ‘Performance’ mode, the total power output of the two models will be increased to 436 bhp. For reference, the two models currently churn out 408 bhp. Notably, this will only be available in certain markets. 

Volvo said it also improved the mild-hybrid powertrains of the XC60 and XC90. The B5 variants of these two models have a more efficient combustion cycle which Volvo claims reduces carbon emissions and improves fuel efficiency in the XC60 and XC90 by four and two per cent, respectively. 

Additionally, Volvo is also introducing a Black Edition for the EX40 and EC40 which will get Onyx Black paint along with blacked-out badges and 20-inch alloy wheels.