•    Volvo continues progress in the direction of totally electrical future with uniform naming launched throughout its UK mannequin vary

•    Fully electrical C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge align with different fashions to change into the EC40 and EX40 respectively

•    Both vehicles obtainable with new Single Motor Extended Range powertrain, providing driving vary of as much as 346 miles for EC40 and 343 miles for EX40

•    Forthcoming software program improve for EC40 and EX40 Twin Motor variations, growing energy by 34hp and including new Performance drive mode

•    B5 mild-hybrid petrol engine in XC60 and XC90 now extra environment friendly

Volvo Cars’ progress in the direction of turning into a totally electrical automobile model marks one other milestone this spring with naming modifications that create consistency throughout the UK mannequin line-up. At the identical time, new and revised powertrain choices can be found.

The updates (formally for Volvo’s 2025-model-year vehicles, that are on sale now) are led by the totally electrical C40 Recharge crossover and XC40 Recharge SUV being rebranded because the EC40 and EX40 respectively, bringing their naming consistent with their EV stablemates, the EX30 and EX90 SUVs. The XC40 title stays in place for the mild-hybrid petrol variations.

Beyond the title change, the EC40 and EX40 are supplied with a brand new Single Motor Extended Range powertrain. Available along with the established rear-wheel-drive Single Motor and all-wheel-drive Twin Motor choices, this gives a better driving vary – as much as 346 miles within the EC40 and 343 miles within the EX40. It has a 78kWh battery (with 75kWh usable capability) and a 252hp electrical motor on the rear axle that produces 420Nm of torque. The most charging pace for replenishing the battery is 140kW.

Meanwhile, an non-compulsory Performance software program improve will probably be obtainable, which will increase most output within the EC40 and EX40 Twin Motor variations from 408hp to 442hp. Owners may even get pleasure from faster acceleration response courtesy of revised pedal mapping and the addition of a brand new Performance mode that unlocks the elevated energy. This software program improve may even be obtainable to present homeowners of previous-model-year (so-called 2024-model-year) C40 and XC40 Recharge vehicles. UK timing and pricing particulars will probably be introduced in the end.

Volvo can be simplifying its value construction, with like-for-like on-the-road costs for the EC40 and EX40 Plus and Ultra fashions (the EX40 can be obtainable in entry-level Core grade).

Visually, the EC40 is distinguished by a distinction black roof, normal throughout all variations. A brand new Sand Dune exterior color possibility has additionally been launched to the EC40, EX40 and XC40 fashions.

Another change reflecting the progress of Volvo’s electrification programme is the deletion of the Recharge title from all plug-in hybrid fashions. Additionally, the Ultimate trim stage has been modified to Ultra, throughout all fashions, whereas the Ultra specification of the XC60 and XC90 is now obtainable with a heated windscreen as a no-cost possibility (if chosen, this replaces the standard-fit head-up show).

The unfold of Volvo’s electrified automobile manufacturing capabilities signifies that XC60 plug-in hybrids for the UK market at the moment are manufactured in Sweden reasonably than China. The XC60 plug-in hybrid line-up has additionally gained an entry-level Core model, bringing the beginning value for the PHEV mannequin down by greater than £4,000.

Elsewhere within the Volvo Cars vary, technical changes have been made to the B5 mild-hybrid petrol engine featured within the XC60 and XC90 SUVs. Adopting a brand new combustion cycle has improved gasoline financial system and lowered CO₂ emissions – by as much as 4% within the mid-size XC60 and a pair of% within the bigger XC90.

The up to date Volvo fashions are on sale now, with first buyer deliveries anticipated in the summertime. For extra info and to make use of the net configurator, please go to www.volvocars.co.uk

UK EC40 on-the-road pricing

EC40 Single Motor Plus – £52,555 

EC40 Single Motor Extended Range Plus – £54,305

EC40 Twin Motor Plus – £57,805

EC40 Single Motor Extended Range Ultra – £58,355

EC40 Twin Motor Ultra – £61,855

UK EX40 on-the-road pricing

EX40 Single Motor Core – £45,955

EX40 Single Motor Extended Range Core – £47,705

EX40 Single Motor Plus – £52,555 

EX40 Single Motor Extended Range Plus – £54,305

EX40 Twin Motor Plus – £57,805

EX40 Single Motor Extended Range Ultra – £58,355

EX40 Twin Motor Ultra – £61,855

The small print

•    Range based on the WLTP driving cycle beneath managed circumstances for a brand new automobile. Real‐world vary could fluctuate. Figures are primarily based on preliminary goal. Final automobile certification pending.

•    CO₂ and gasoline financial system based on the WLTP driving cycle beneath managed circumstances for a brand new automobile. Real-world gasoline financial system could fluctuate. Figures are primarily based on preliminary goal. Final automobile certification pending.