Volvo has announced nomenclature changes to its range that help separate electric cars from their hybrid-powered equivalents. As a result, the electric XC40 will be renamed the EX40, while the all-electric C40 will become the EC40. According to Volvo, the change will provide greater "transparency" for consumers when it is introduced formally on April 3.
Electric revolution
The move comes as part of Volvo's ongoing march towards full electrification, which saw electric cars account for 27 per cent of all the brand's sales in Ireland last year. However, the company hopes the new "streamlining and standardising" of its vehicle naming policy will help consumers determine electric vehicles from their hybrid counterparts.
With the fully electric XC40 Recharge becoming the EX40 and the C40 Recharge becoming the EC40, they fall into line with Volvo's new EX30, EX90 and EM90 models, all of which are set to arrive this year.
The change also sees the Recharge name, which currently denotes both electric and plug-in hybrid models, dropped from use altogether. Instead, plug-in hybrid models will simply be marked out by their T6 or T8 suffix, which denote different power outputs.
Performance packs
As well as changing the names of the compact SUVs, Volvo will also launch a new Performance software package for the two-motor, all-wheel-drive versions of the newly minted EX40 and EC40 models. Increasing power by 25kW (34hp), the package is designed to offer faster acceleration, as well as special pedal mapping for faster responses. The extra performance will be accessed via a unique Performance driving mode.
In available markets, the system will be offered as an optional upgrade via the Volvo Cars app when ordering a new car, or as an upgrade for an existing 2024 XC40 Recharge or C40 model. No visit to a dealer is necessary, as the pack is purely a software upgrade.
At the same time, the EX40 and EC40 will also benefit from a new Black Edition model, which follows on from the XC60 Black Edition launched last year. The newcomers will be marked out by Onyx Black paintwork, high-gloss black badging and 20-inch black alloy wheels, as well as a "microtech charcoal" interior.
Simplifying choice
Volvo has not yet announced pricing for the new EX40 and EC40 models, but the two cars will go on sale on April 3.
"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." said Björn Annwall, Volvo's chief commercial officer and deputy CEO.