Volvo Cars Updates Electric and Hybrid Offerings with Clearer Naming Scheme
February 21 2024,
Volvo Cars has updated its naming system for its electric vehicle lineup, indicating a move towards increased electrification. The previously known XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge are now designated as EX40 and EC40, respectively, integrating them into Volvo's electric range that already includes the EX30 and EX90. This change reserves the XC40 name for models powered by internal combustion engines, enhancing transparency for consumers.
This initiative is aligned with Volvo's aim to fully transition to an electric car producer by the year 2030. The push for electrification is reflected in the company's performance, with electric vehicles making up 16% of its total sales worldwide in 2023, a notable 70% rise from the prior year. The rollout of the EX30, EX90, and EM90 in 2023 will increase Volvo's electric model count to five, signaling continued growth and innovation.
Volvo will also streamline the way it identifies its hybrid models by eliminating the Recharge label, now using the T6 or T8 suffixes to represent different power outputs.
The company's Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO highlighted the simplified decision-making process for customers due to the rebranding, which brings the early electric models in line with Volvo's wider electric range, indicating a more straightforward naming strategy.
Volvo is also upgrading the driving dynamics with a Performance software package for the twin-motor variants of the EX40 and EC40. This enhancement increases the power by 25kW, leading to quicker acceleration and a distinctive 'Performance' driving mode. The upgrade is available for new vehicles via the Volvo Cars app and as a download for owners of the 2024 model year C40 and the original electric XC40 Recharge.
The innovation continues with Volvo's hybrid offerings, where the B5 mild hybrid petrol versions of the XC60 and XC90 are now more efficient in their engine combustion cycles. This advancement is expected to lower CO2 emissions and enhance fuel efficiency by up to 4% for the XC60 and 2% for the XC90, according to the WLTP cycle.
Featuring Google integration, innovative storage solutions, and notable electric ranges for the EC40 and EX40, these models remain an attractive option for discerning motorists.
