Volvo renames its recharge XC40 and C40s EVs globally
Volvo has declared that the 'XC40 Recharge' and 'C40 Recharge' names will be discontinued by the company. The two all-electric models will now be referred to as the EC40 and EX40, respectively. This aligns them with the EX30, EX90, and EM90, the brand's current and future EV nomenclature.
According to Volvo, the model renaming is a step in the process of turning it into a completely electric vehicle by 2030. It is expected that the two EVs' new names and badges will soon be applied to the India-spec models.
With their updated names, Volvo's all-electric lineup now includes the EX30, EX90, and EM90, bringing the EX40 and EC40 further into line with it. The EX40 is now possible to differentiate more easily from the XC40, which is still going by its original name but has an internal combustion engine (ICE) thanks to this modification.
Also Read: Mercedes-AMG's C 63 PHEV’s rival, Audi RS5 Avant is all set to Launch in 2025
Also, the model's plug-in hybrid range will now be recognized by the names "T6" and "T8" rather than by the name "Recharge". Volvo claims that with the new names, customers will now be able to more easily distinguish between the ICE, EV, and plug-in hybrid models of cars.
Several online reports from 2021 stated that Volvo intended to rename its all-new electric vehicles (EVs) using more traditional names rather than the current numeric or alphanumeric ones. The new electric vehicle will have a name that sounds more like a [newborn] child, according to Volvo Cars' former CEO Hakan Samuelsson, who also hinted later in the year that the name will start with a vowel. There were even rumors that the "soon-to-be-unveiled" EV, the EX90, would use the "Embla" moniker, which the Swedish automaker had even registered as a trademark.
In 1995, Volvo introduced the current pattern of nomenclature, using the letters "S" for sedans, "V" for estate cars, "C" for hatchbacks and coupes, and "XC" for SUVs. A number based on size came after it.
But these official names were never used because, up to this day, all Volvo EVs have alphanumeric names like the EX30 and EX90. Not even the recently released all-electric Volvo MPV, the EM90, has a nomenclature that is distinctly Volvo. Based on the aforementioned reasoning, Volvo is probably going to designate the MPV body style with an "M."
In addition to their new names, the EX40 and EC40 can now be purchased with a Performance software package, which increases the power output of the top-of-the-line dual-motor drivetrain to 436 horsepower, surpassing the performance of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hatchback. Although it did not specify the amount, Volvo claimed "faster acceleration" for the models, cutting their 0-100 km/h time from 4.7 seconds to under 3.5 seconds.
The Volvo app can be used by current owners in some markets to activate the Performance upgrade. The effect of the power boost on the two vehicles' range is still unknown, but Volvo stated that the single-motor EX40 and EC40 would have maximum ranges of 577 km and 583 km, respectively.
The India launch can be expected for the second half of this year, as both models are anticipated to go on sale in stages beginning in May.
The now "renamed" EX40 and EC40 are Volvo's two EVs currently available for purchase in India. The company recently finished rolling out the 10,000th EX40 which was locally assembled. It is expected that the Swedish automaker will soon introduce the all-new EX30 electric SUV and the flagship EX90 to the Indian market.