Volvo Cars Introduces Upgrades to Electric & Hybrid Cars; Streamlines Model Names

Volvo Cars is streamlining and standardising its model names for fully electric cars, in line with its ongoing transformation towards becoming a fully electric car maker by 2030. The fully electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models are renamed EX40 and EC40.

The renaming fits in with its other fully electric models: the EX30, EX90 and EM90. 

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

The company is also introducing a new Performance software pack for the EX40 and EC40 Twin Motor variants.

The Performance software pack, which increases power output by 25kW for faster acceleration, also includes a ‘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.

Its 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 per cent for the XC60 and around 2 per cent for the XC90 based on the WLTP cycle.

Björn Annwall, Chief Commercial Officer and deputy CEO, Volvo cars, says: “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.” 

Volvo Cars' head office, product development, marketing and administration functions are mainly located in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Its production plants are located in Gothenburg, Ghent (Belgium), South Carolina (US), Chengdu, Daqing and Taizhou (China).