Model-year updates herald name changes for Volvo XC40 and Volvo C40 EVs, alongside bigger batteries and Performance pack upgrade.
The Volvo XC40 and Volvo C40 EVs have been rebadged Volvo EX40 and Volvo EC40 respectively, bringing the popular small SUVs in line with the manufacturer’s other electric cars, the EX30, EX90 and EM90. The XC40 name will remain for the petrol and hybrid versions of Volvo’s BMW X1 rival.
Björn Annwall, the Swedish brand’s Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO, 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.”
The name changes come as part of a suite of model-year 2025 upgrades for the Volvo range, as the manufacturer looks to increase production of its zero-emission models. EVs represented 16 per cent of Volvo’s global sales in 2023, which is up 70 per cent on the previous 12 months, but the brand has said that its goal is to sell EVs only by the end of the decade.
Volvo is also introducing a Performance software pack for the EX40 and EC40, which increases the output of the existing Twin variants by 34 kW, to 436 kW. The upgrade includes a unique pedal map for “quicker response” and a new Performance drive mode. Volvo says the upgrade will be available over the air for MY24 cars in “selected markets”.
While unconfirmed, it’s expected Volvo will use this opportunity to bolster the EX40 and EC40 line-up by offering single-motor models with the larger 82 kWh battery currently fitted to dual-motor versions. This option has been available to customers in other global markets for some time, and could boost the base car’s range to more than 350 kilometres. As it stands, the single-motor model can only be paired with the 69 kWh battery, capping range at 294 kilometres.
Finally, Volvo is set to introduce a new Black Edition model to the EX40, EC40 and XC40 ranges. The firm says the upgrades will mirror those found on the XC60 Black Edition, which went on sale last year.
Predictably, these cars will get Onyx Black paint, gloss-black badging and 20-inch black wheels, plus a choice of microtech or textile charcoal interiors. It’s not clear whether this specification will be available with all battery and motor combinations, or if it’ll be exclusive to higher-end models.
Concluding the range updates, Volvo has said it’ll ditch the ‘Recharge’ branding from its XC60 and XC90 PHEVs, which will now solely use T6 and T8 badges to signify output. Volvo also says its B5 mild hybrids are now up to four per cent more efficient, thanks to a tweaked combustion cycle.