Volvo’s newest reveal expands the common utilitarianism of its Recharge models, while sustaining the rugged-yet-cerebral associations of the classical ‘40’ series that is its enduring legacy.

The lineup inches downmarket for the 2022 model year by way of a single-motor, entry-level getabout, the C40 Recharge. The C40 is Volvo’s solution for commuters and families, and base stickers at over $50K. The new variant is a simplified version with front-wheel drive that can log well over 250 miles between charges.

The company also brushed up the exterior of the dual-motor XC40, its current AWD luxury workhorse EV, for 2022. The nose is where the changes can most readily be spotted; the bumper and frameless grille plate align the front end visually with the C40 Recharge, a Recharge-Series design move that echoes the company’s classical 240-740-940 series and updates the brand’s narrative.

The likeness of style and addition of a C40 for the masses hint at a tectonic shift to come within Volvo, one which will find the company producing only electric vehicles; Volvo will fulfill the pledge by 2030.