Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge EVs revived as EX40 and EC40 with new upgrades
Volvo is dropping the “Recharge” on its XC40 and C40 all-electric models to streamline its portfolio as it moves toward an EV-only future. The Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge have been revived as the EX40 and EC40 with a new optional performance upgrade and special Black Edition.
Going all in on electric
As one of the first automakers to announce its commitment to an all-electric lineup, Volvo’s early devotion is paying off.
Volvo kicked off the offensive with the fully electric XC40 Recharge, introduced in October 2019. Powered by an AWD powertrain, the electric SUV offered over 250 miles (400 km) range with Volvo’s signature Swedish design.
In March 2021, Volvo launched the C40 Recharge, a smaller crossover aimed at a new market. The only complaint was the model’s limited EPA range (210 mi), while Tesla’s Model Y achieved over 300 mi on the same size battery.
Volvo updated the electric SUVs last year with more range, faster charging, and several new features.
The new XC40 gained up to 270 mi EPA range, while the C40 Recharge featured up to 275 miles. As the automaker moves closer to an all-electric lineup, it’s streamlining its model names to avoid confusion with its hybrids.
Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge EVs become EX40, EC40
Volvo announced it is streamlining its EV model names as it moves toward becoming an all-EV lineup by 2030.
The electric XC40 and C40 Recharge have been revived as the EX40 and EC40, aligning with its newly launched EX30, EX90, and EM90 EVs.
“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 and refresh our hybrids,” Volvo’s chief commercial officer and deputy CEO explained.
Volvo is also introducing a new Performance software pack for the EX40 and EC40 Twin Motor variants. It will also be available as an upgrade for previous models in select markets.
The new Performance upgrade boosts power output by 34 hp (25 kW) with unique pedal mapping for quicker acceleration. A “Performance” drive mode unlocks up to 436 hp (325 kW) power.
The package will be offered as an option upgrade for new models, while older model-year vehicles can purchase and download it directly to their car.
Volvo is introducing a special Black Edition for new EX40, EC40, and XC40 models. It includes Onyx Black paint, black badging, 20″ alloy wheels, and microtech or textile charcoal interior.
Volvo achieved its 17th straight month of growth in January, with EVs leading the way. Electric vehicles accounted for 16% of Volvo’s total sales last year.
With new EVs in key segments, including the EX30 (check out our review), starting at $35,000, Volvo expects the momentum to continue in 2024. Its first three-row electric SUV, the EX90, and its first luxury electric van, the EM90, are also launching this year.
Electrek’s Take
Volvo is well on its way to becoming an all-EV automaker, with unique models rolling out in popular segments like large SUVs, luxury vans, and affordable models.
Aligning the XC40 and C40 Recharge EVs with its new electric models will help differentiate from its hybrid models. After selling a record 113,419 EVs last year, or 16% of its total sales, Volvo looks to accelerate EV sales with new models launching this year.
By next year, Volvo aims for 50% of its sales, or around 600,000, to be all-electric. CEO Jim Rowan said he believes the automaker is on track to hit its goal.
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China just laid out a plan to roll out over 100,000 ultra-fast EV charging stations by 2027 – and they’ll all be open to the public.
The National Development and Reform Commission’s (NDRC) joint notice, issued on Monday, asks local authorities to put together construction plans for highway service areas and prioritize the ones that see 40% or more usage during holiday travel rushes.
The NDRC notes that China’s ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure needs upgrading as more 800V EVs hit the road. Those high-voltage platforms can handle super-fast charging in as little as 10 to 30 minutes, but only if the charging hardware is up to speed.
China had 31.4 million EVs on the road at the end of 2024 – nearly 9% of the country’s total vehicle fleet. But charging access is still catching up. As of May 2025, there were 14.4 million charging points, or roughly 1 for every 2.2 EVs.
To keep the grid running smoothly, China wants new chargers to be smart, with dynamic pricing to incentivize off-peak charging and solar and storage to power the charging stations.
To make the business side work, the government is pushing for 10-year leases for charging station operators, and it’s backing the buildout with local government bonds.
The NDRC emphasized that the DC fast chargers built will be open to the public. This is a big deal because a lot of fast chargers in China aren’t. For example, BYD’s new megawatt chargers aren’t open to third-party vehicles.
As of September 2024, China had expanded its charging infrastructure to 11.4 million EV chargers, but only 3.3 million were public.
Read more: California now has nearly 50% more EV chargers than gas nozzles
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Tesla is starting to experience some consequences for misleading Full Self Driving customers – at least that’s the finding of one arbitration ruling that has Tesla refunding one customer $10,000 plus legal fees for failing to deliver on their promises. Find out more on today’s legally challenging episode of Quick Charge!
An arbitration “court” found that Tesla misled customers with its Full Self Driving product, and has now been forced to refund at least one person’s $10,000 payment (plus legal fees) for the not-quite autonomous driving software. France, too, is piling on claims of deceptive business practices – but there’s some good news for FSD fans! If you’re still willing to pay for it, Tesla will thrown in 0% financing on a brand new Cybertruck.
Check out the relevant links, below, to learn more.
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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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