2025 Volvo EX40 & EC40 revealed: XC40 & C40 electric SUVs renamed

The updated 2025 Volvo EX40 and 2025 Volvo EC40 electric SUV twins have debuted with mild updates – and new names.

Previously known as the XC40 Recharge – an all-electric variant of the XC40 small SUV – and the C40 Recharge, Volvo has standardised the names of its most popular electric cars to EX40 and EC40, respectively, to match its newest models.

This includes the EX30 light SUV and the EX90 large SUV, both due in Australia this year, along with the China-only EM90 people mover.

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All-electric replacements to the current XC60 and S90, likely badged EX60 and ES90, are understood to be in final development.

Volvo plans to become an all-electric brand in Australia by 2026 with the launch of five new models – including the EX30 and EX90 – ahead of the Chinese-owned Swedish brand's global mandate to be fully electric by 2030 and entirely carbon neutral by 2040.

The latest update to Volvo's nomenclature also sees the 'Recharge' branding dropped from its plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are now solely denoted by a 'T6' or 'T8' suffix depending on power outputs.

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"The new and streamlined model name standard makes it even easier for existing and new customers to understand which of our models are fully electric and which are hybrids," said Volvo.

“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,” added Volvo chief commercial officer and deputy CEO Björn Annwall.

Model-year 2025 updates for the EX40 and EC40 are limited to a new Performance software package for dual-motor variants, which will also become available as an upgrade for 2024 models in selected markets.

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The Performance update aims to improve acceleration with a 25kW power boost, unique pedal mapping, and a 'Performance' drive mode to unlock the full 325kW output.

Volvo is also introducing Black Edition variants for the EX40 and EC40 – along with the internal-combustion XC40, which retains its nameplate.

These variants are exclusively painted in onyx black, matched with high-gloss black trim, 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and microtech or textile charcoal interiors.

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The latest updates for the EX40 and EC40 follow a comprehensive revision introduced in Australia in late 2023, which saw both models receive faster charging, more driving range, and a switch from front to rear-wheel drive for single-motor variants.

Volvo has also developed a more efficient combustion cycle for the XC60 and XC90 B5 mild-hybrid petrol variants, which should result in CO2 emissions reduction and a four per cent fuel consumption reduction for the XC60 or two per cent for the XC90.

A Volvo Australia spokesperson said the 2025 Volvo EX40 and 2025 Volvo EC40 should arrive in Australia around July or August, pending any production delays.