Volvo Cars revealed it is streamlining and standardizing its model names for fully electric cars, in line with its ongoing transformation toward becoming a fully electric car maker by 2030. The fully electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models are being renamed to EX40 and EC40, respectively, to fit with other fully electric models: the EX30, EX90 and EM90. The XC40 name remains for internal combustion-powered variants of the model.
In 2023, Volvo said fully electric cars represented 16% of its global sales volumes, an increase of 70% compared to 2022. The EX30, EX90 and EM90 will all hit roads this year and bring the number of fully electric models in Volvo’s product portfolio to five, with several more new models to come the manufacturer said.
The update also includes the removal of recharge badging from its plug-in hybrid models, which are now denoted by the T6 or T8 suffix indicating different levels of power output.
“By aligning our 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,” Björn Annwall, chief commercial officer and deputy CEO said.
Volvo is also introducing a new performance software pack for its EX40 and EC40 twin-motor variants. The performance software pack, which increases power output by 25kW for faster acceleration, also includes unique pedal mapping for quicker accelerator response and a ‘performance’ drive mode to unlock the full 325kW, Volvo said.
In available markets, Volvo said 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 from their phone.
Volvo said it also is investing in improvements to its hybrid products. B5 mild hybrid petrol variants of XC60 and XC90 now 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 added.
Volvo also will introduce a black edition of the EX40, EC40 and XC40 models. The black edition models come with Onyx Black paint, high gloss black badging, 20-inch five-spoke alloys in high gloss black and the choice between microtech or textile charcoal interiors.
