Volvo has introduced a new way of branding its all-electric and hybrid cars

For this reason, the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge all-electric models are being renamed EX40 and EC40, names that will fit right in with the EX30, EX90 and EM90 family of all-electric models. The XC40 designation will continue to be used for internal combustion engine powertrains.

Easy to navigate through each model

This is a move that reflects Volvo's gradual transition to a fully electric car manufacturer. This is evidenced by the fact that in 2023, fully electric cars will account for 16% of the brand's total global sales, up 70% year-on-year from 2022. The models mentioned above, the EX30, EX90 and EM90, will hit the road this year, bringing the number of fully electric Volvo models in regular service to five. In addition, several more models will be introduced.

As part of Volvo's updated badging, the Recharge badge has also been removed from plug-in hybrid models, which will now be badged simply T6 or T8 to indicate their performance classification. The purpose of the new, more efficient model marking standard is to make it easier for existing and new customers to distinguish between fully electric and hybrid cars when buying a new Volvo.

"Our future is purely electric and we are moving rapidly to fulfil our ambitions for 2030," says Björn Annwall, Commercial Director and Deputy CEO of Volvo Cars. "By aligning the names of our first pioneering electric models with our newer electric cars, we will make it easier for customers to navigate our portfolio, which we are continuously electrifying and upgrading."

In addition, Volvo is introducing a new Performance software package to enhance the performance of the EX40 and EC40 Twin Engine variants, which will be part of the previous model year update in selected markets. Increasing power output by 25kW, the Performance software package will contribute to faster acceleration, while also including unique accelerator pedal mapping to ensure faster accelerator response and a unique Performance driving mode to harness the full power of the 325kW.

In selected markets, the Performance software package will be offered through the Volvo Cars app as an optional upgrade when ordering a new car. Owners of the previous MY24 model year's all-electric C40 and XC40 Recharge can also purchase and download the package in the comfort of their own home.

Efficiency improvements and 'Black Edition'

Other hybrid product enhancements are also worth noting. The B5 mild-hybrid powertrains of the XC60 and XC90 now use a more efficient engine combustion cycle, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions and an improvement in fuel consumption of approximately 4% for the XC60 and 2% for the XC90 (based on WLTP methodology).

Last but not least, Volvo is also introducing a special Black Edition of the EX40, EC40 and XC40. This edition builds on the success of the XC60 Black Edition, which the carmaker launched last year. The Black Edition version includes Onyx Black paint, a high gloss black badge, 20" five-spoke alloy wheels, also in high gloss black, and a choice of microtech or fabric interior, both in a dark Charcoal shade.

The EC40, EX40 and XC40 models will remain as great as ever in other respects, which means they will come with integrated Google services and offer a range of up to 583km (EC40) and 576km (EX40) in the all-electric variants.

Source: VCCR