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Read moreNew names for Volvo's electric and plug-in hybrid range (and other 2025 novelties)
For almost a decade, Volvo has been developing its range of vehicles to offer drivers more electric and hybrid alternatives.
The main reasons for these changes are to respond to the ecological transition while striving to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
But this technological shake-up can lead to confusion in the mind of the buyer. Between the names for combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles, it's hard to know what's what.
In this article, we explain the upcoming naming changes and what they mean for you.
Why change the names of Volvo vehicles?
In October 2022, we published an article explaining the end of an era for the Swedish brand, with the discontinuation of the Momentum, R-Design and Inscription trim levels. The aim: to simplify the range.
Two years later, Volvo continues this simplification, but this time on model naming. This move reflects the brand's transformation as a manufacturer of all-electric cars, while simplifying customers' understanding of which models are all-electric and which are hybrids.
New names for Volvo's hybrid and electric range
As a result, the electric models, XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, have been renamed EX40 and EC40, in line with the nomenclature of the brand's new electric models, the EX30 and EX90. As for the combustion-powered Volvo XC40, the name remains unchanged.
“By aligning our first innovative electric models with the rest of our electric car range, we're simplifying choices for consumers as we continue to electrify our range and renew our hybrids,” says Björn Annwall, our Sales Director and Deputy Managing Director.
In any case, you'll be able to preview these vehicles at the Salon du véhicule électrique 2024 in Montreal.
Other new features for 2025
However, the 2024 novelties don't stop at the name of the electric/hybrid range.
Delete Recharge badge
In line with this logic of simplification, 2024 has announced the discontinuation of the Recharge badge on plug-in hybrid models, retaining simply the T6 or T9 suffix indicating the different power levels.
New WLTP cycles for lightweight hybrids
Light hybrid variants, such as the B5 petrol engine on the XC60 and XC90, now use a more efficient engine combustion cycle.
Ultimately, this should lead to reductions in CO2 emissions and improvements in fuel consumption of up to around 4% for the XC60 and around 2% for the XC90 according to the WLTP cycle.
A performance pack for electric vehicles
Want more power in your electric Volvo?
A new Performance software package for Twin Motor variants of the EX40 and EC40 has just been released.
This package boosts power by 25 kW for faster acceleration, plus a unique “Performance” driving mode to take full advantage of the 325 (436 hp) kW of acceleration.
Added to the line-up: the special Black Edition
Finally, following the success of the Volvo XC60 Black Edition, we will soon be offering the same edition for sale for the EX40, EC40 and its petrol variant, the XC40.
Like the Volvo XC60, the models will come with Onyx Black paint, gloss black badges, five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels in gloss black and a choice of microtech or charcoal-colored fabric interiors.
Closing remarks
In any case, a few new features await us in 2025, and we'll be writing to you to go into more detail on every one of them.
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