Volvo Cars is streamlining and standardising its model names for fully electric cars, in line with our ongoing transformation towards becoming a fully electric car maker by 2030.

Volvo has revealed the fully electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models are being renamed to EX40 and EC40 respectively, seamlessly fitting in with Volvo’s other fully electric models: the EX30, EX90 and EM90. The XC40 name remains for internal combustion-powered variants of the model.

The move reflects Volvo’s transformation towards becoming a fully electric car manufacturer. In 2023, fully electric cars represented 16 per cent of our global sales volumes, an increase of 70 per cent versus 2022.

The EX30, EX90 and EM90 will all hit roads this year and bring the number of fully electric models in our product portfolio to five, with several more new models to come.

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

The new and streamlined model name standard makes it even easier for existing and new customers to understand which of the company’s models are fully electric and which are hybrids, according to Volvo Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO, Björn Annwall.

“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,” he said.

Annwall said Volvo is also introducing a new Performance software pack for its EX40 and EC40 Twin Motor variants, and as an upgrade for the previous model year in selected markets.

The Performance software pack, which increases power output by 25kW for faster acceleration, also includes unique pedal mapping for quicker accelerator response and a unique ‘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, while drivers of previous model year 2024 C40 and fully electric XC40 Recharge cars can purchase and download the software from the comfort of their sofa.

He said Volvo is also 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.

Annwall said the EC40, EX40 and XC40 are as compelling as ever, with Google built-in and smart interior storage – and in the case of the electric duo, electric range of up to 583 kilometres for the EC40 and up to 576 kilometres for the EX40.