Volvo Car Australia has confirmed it will axe the C40 Recharge – soon to be known as the EC40 – later this year, due to slowing sales.
Speaking with CarExpert, Volvo Car Australia managing director Stephen Connor said changing consumer preferences prompted the shift.
“Since the introduction of the EX30 we have noticed a shift in our order bank for the C40 which has prompted us to re-evaluate its standing within our product portfolio. As a result the EX30 and EX40 will be our main focus within those segments,” Mr Connor said.
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The Volvo C40 Recharge was launched globally in 2021 as an electric-only coupe companion to the popular XC40 SUV. For model year 2025 the electric versions of the XC40 and C40 were renamed EX40 and EC40 respectively in line with Volvo’s new nomenclature for EV models.
Volvo Australia had previously indicated the MY25 EX40 and EC40 would be hitting local showrooms this year, but Mr Connor’s comments indicate only the former will make it Down Under.
A quick glance on the brand’s Australian website reveals the EX40 is available to configure and order, while the C40 Recharge is only available from stock online.
Like the XC40 Recharge/EX40, the C40 was sold in Australia in Single Motor and Twin Motor variants, offering up to 300kW of power and 507km of electric range.
While its sloping roofline and unique rear styling differed from its XC40 twin, everything from the B-pillar forward as well as the cockpit was lifted from its more practical sibling.
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Incoming changes for the MY25 EC40 were meant to include the addition of a flagship Black Edition variant, and globally an optional Performance software pack that increases peak power to 325kW (up 25kW) while providing sharper throttle response.
The 2025 Volvo EX40 is available to order in Australia now, with the base Plus Single Motor variant supplanted by a higher-spec Ultra with the same single-motor RWD electric drivetrain. The Ultra Twin Motor remains, and a new Black Edition flagship sits atop the tree.
Later this year Volvo will also roll out a software update over the air which will upgrade existing vehicles from model year 2022 onwards (compatible with OTA updates) with the brand’s latest user interface for the infotainment system in line with new models like the EX30 and EX90, in addition to incoming updates for the XC60 and EX90.
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