Volvo Cars is enhancing its approach towards a fully electric future by renaming and standardizing the model names of its electric and hybrid vehicles, aiming for full electrification by 2030.
The electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models have been rebranded to EX40 and EC40 respectively, aligning with the existing electric lineup of EX30, EX90, and EM90, while the XC40 name will continue for models with internal combustion engines.
This change underscores Volvo’s shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), reflected in a 70% increase in fully electric car sales in 2023, accounting for 16% of its global sales volume.
The rebranding also extends to plug-in hybrid models, removing the Recharge badge and instead using the T6 or T8 suffix to indicate power output. This simplification aims to make it easier for customers to distinguish between fully electric and hybrid models.
Additionally, Volvo introduced a new Performance software pack for the EX40 and EC40 Twin Motor variants to enhance power output by 25kW, improve acceleration, and offer a unique ‘Performance’ drive mode.
This upgrade is available for the 2024 model year C40 and XC40 Recharge vehicles through the Volvo Cars app or as an optional pack for new cars in selected markets.
Improvements are not limited to electric models; Volvo is also upgrading its hybrid lineup. The B5 mild hybrid petrol variants of the XC60 and XC90 now feature a more efficient engine combustion cycle, expected to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy by up to 4% for the XC60 and 2% for the XC90.
Furthermore, Volvo is introducing a special Black Edition for the EX40, EC40, and XC40 models, featuring exclusive design elements and interior options, following the success of the XC60 Black Edition.
