Volvo Cars is renaming its electric XC40 and C40 Recharge models to EX40 and EC40 to standardize the designations of its fully electric vehicles. This change is part of the company's overall transformation toward producing only electric cars by 2030.
The fully electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models are renamed to EX40 and EC40, respectively, to fit seamlessly into the Volvo family: EX30, EX90, and EM90. The XC40 name remains for the model variants with internal combustion engines.
The change reflects Volvo's transformation into a fully electric car manufacturer. In 2023, electric vehicles accounted for 16% of the company's global sales, a 70% increase compared to 2022.
The EX30, EX90, and EM90 will increase the number of electric models in Volvo's product portfolio to five, with several more new models on the way.
The update also includes the removal of the Recharge designation from plug-in hybrid models, which will now be identified simply as T6 or T8, indicating different power levels.
The new and simplified naming standardization makes it easier for existing and new customers to understand which Volvo models are fully electric and which are hybrid when choosing their new car.
“Our future is electric and we are moving at pace towards our 2030 ambition,” says Björn Annwall, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO.
Volvo Cars is also introducing a new Performance software pack for its EX40 and EC40 Twin Motor variants, as well as an upgrade for the previous model year in certain markets. The Performance software pack, which increases power by 25kW for faster acceleration, also includes a unique “Performance” drive mode to unlock the full 325kW.
The Performance software will be available as an optional upgrade pack via the Volvo Cars app when ordering a new car in selected markets.
Volvo Cars is also investing in improvements to its hybrid products. The B5 mild-hybrid petrol variants of the XC60 and XC90 will use a more efficient engine combustion cycle, which is expected to lead to CO2 emission reductions and fuel economy improvements of up to approximately 4% for the XC60 and about 2% for the XC90, based on the WLTP cycle.*
*CO2 and fuel economy figures are based on the realistic WLTP driving cycle under controlled conditions for a new car. Real-world fuel economy may vary. Figures are based on preliminary targets. Final vehicle certification is pending.
