A new Black Edition trim debuts as Volvo renames the electric XC40 and C40 to match its other EVs
Electric car naming strategies are proving tricky for carmakers to get right, and Volvo is the latest brand to give some of its EVs new badges.
The Swedish brand is dropping its ‘Recharge’ tag, with the battery-powered Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge now being known as the Volvo EX40 and EC40 respectively.
Engine-powered XC40s will still be called XC40s, although all of Volvo’s plug-in hybrid models will also drop the Recharge name – previous Recharge T6 and Recharge T8 models will now simply be T6 and T8.
The change reflects Volvo’s desire to become an electric-only carmaker by the end of the decade. Volvo says the new nomenclature has also been introduced to make it easier for customers to work out which models are fully electric and which are still engine-powered. Up until now, it’s been confusing with both plug-in hybrid and fully electric Volvos both being called Recharge.
By the end of 2024, Volvo will sell five electric models – the EX40, EC40, the smaller EX30 SUV, the range-topping EX90 SUV and the EM90 luxury people-carrier.
In the meantime, Volvo is introducing a new Performance pack for Twin Motor versions of the EX40 and EC40. Engaging the new drive mode gives you 33hp more than the standard car and quicker acceleration response.
Following on from last year’s Volvo XC60 Black Edition, the EX40, XC40 and EC40 will now be available in the same trim level. You get Onyx Black paint, gloss black badging, 20-inch black wheels and a choice of two interior trimmings.
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