Volvo XC40 Recharge And C40 Recharge Get A Name Change

The XC40 Recharge has now become the ‘EX40’ while the C40 Recharge is now called the ‘EC40’

• They have been renamed to align with Volvo’s latest line of EVs like the EX30 and EM90.

• Consistency in model naming makes it easier for customers to distinguish between electric and hybrid models.

• Volvo currently offers two EVs in India: the EX40 and EC40.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge have undergone a name change, and have now been rechristened the EX40 and EC40 respectively. Consequently, Volvo has now completely dropped the ‘Recharge’ suffix from its global lineup of EVs. The carmaker has revealed that the model renaming is part of its transition towards becoming a fully EV maker by 2030. The renaming and rebadging for the two EVs is likely to be implemented on the India-spec models soon.

More Details About The Name Change

The updated nomenclature aligns the EX40 and EC40 more closely with Volvo's broader range of fully electric vehicles, such as the EX30, EX90, and EM90. This adjustment serves to distinguish the EX40 more distinctly from the internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered XC40, which retains its original name. By doing so, it simplifies the identification process for customers, distinguishing between electric and hybrid models. Even the plug-in hybrid variants of its models are now simply denoted by the ‘T6’ or ‘T8’ suffix to indicate different levels of power output.

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…Contradicts Volvo’s Earlier Plans, Though

Back in 2021, multiple online reports had suggested that Volvo had plans of switching from its current numeric or alphanumeric nomenclature to more conventional names for its all-new EVs. Volvo Cars’ ex-CEO, Hakan Samuelsson, had revealed that the new EV will have a name, more like a [newborn] child, and had even later in the year hinted that the name will begin with a vowel. It was even reported that the then ‘soon-to-be unveiled’ EV – the EX90 – could bear the ‘Embla’ nameplate, which was even trademarked by the Swedish carmaker.

Volvo had adopted the current nomenclature pattern back in 1995 by incorporating ‘S’ to denote sedans, ‘V’ for estates, ‘C’ for hatchbacks and coupes, and ‘XC’ for SUVs. It was followed by a size-based number.

However, these proper names never saw the light of the day, as all Volvo EVs even today still feature alphanumeric names like the EX30 and EX90. Even the newly unveiled all-electric Volvo MPV, the EM90, has a typical Volvo-like nomenclature. By the logic stated above, Volvo is likely to use an ‘M’ to denote the MPV body style.

However, the new Volvo Cars CEO, Jim Rowan, decided against opting for the drastic change keeping in mind the ‘brand familiarity.’

Also Check Out: Volvo C40 Recharge Electric Coupe SUV Catches Fire: Automaker Responds

Volvo’s EV Innings In India

Volvo currently has two EVs on sale in India: the now “renamed” EX40 and EC40, and recently completed the roll out of its 10,000th locally assembled EX40. We expect the Swedish carmaker to bring the new flagship EX90 and the all-new entry-level EX30 electric SUV to India soon.

Also See: Kia EV9 Electric SUV Spied Testing In India, Expected To Launch Later In 2024

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