Volvo upgrades all-electric and hybrid cars, streamlines naming

Volvo is tweaking the model names of its all-electric models as it transforms itself into a fully electric car maker by 2030.

The fully electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models are renamed to EX40 and EC40, fitting in with its other fully electric models: the EX30, EX90 and EM90. The XC40 name remains for internal combustion-powered variants of the model.

In 2023, fully electric cars represented 16% of its global sales volumes, an increase of 70% versus 2022. The EX30, EX90 and EM90 will all hit the road this year and bring the number of fully electric models in its product portfolio to five, with several more new models to come.

The update also includes the removal of Recharge badging from its plug-in hybrid models, which are now denoted simply by the T6 or T8 suffix indicating different levels of power output.

The car maker said the streamlined model name standard will make it easier for customers to understand which of models are fully electric and which are hybrids.

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

Volvo added that it is also introducing a new Performance software pack for our EX40 and EC40 Twin Motor variants, and as an upgrade for the previous model year in selected markets. The Performance software pack, which increases power output by 25kW for faster acceleration, also includes unique pedal mapping for quicker accelerator response and a unique ‘Performance’ drive mode to unlock the full 325kW.

In available markets, the Performance software will be offered as an optional upgrade pack via the Volvo Cars app when ordering a new car, while drivers of previous model-year 2024 C40 and fully electric XC40 Recharge cars can purchase and download the software.
 

Its B5 mild-hybrid petrol variants of the XC60 and XC90 meanwhile will employ a more efficient engine combustion cycle, expected to result in CO2 emission reductions and fuel economy improvements of up to around 4% for the XC60 and around 2% for the XC90 based on the WLTP cycle.

Volvo is also introducing a special Black Edition of the EX40, EC40 and the XC40 models, following the success of the XC60 Black Edition launched last year. The Black Edition models come with Onyx Black paint, high-gloss black badging, 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black, and the choice between microtech or textile charcoal interiors.