Photo: Volvo
This week has been great for EVs and HEVs plus PHEVs around the world as many brands have unleashed new models, fresh variants, and even some incremental updates – like Volvo.
The Swedish automaker Volvo Cars have been on an interesting path since 1999 when it became separate from its former parent, AB Volvo, a massive conglomerate and manufacturer of heavy trucks, buses, and construction equipment.
Initially, Volvo Cars was sold to Ford Motor Company, but after just a decade, it was sold at a loss for almost $2 billion to China's Geely. The company was left alone for a while before embarking on a novel sustainability journey with a target to become a fully electric automaker like Tesla by 2030. To make sure they don't go back on their promise, the brand first dropped all of the engines larger than four cylinders, invested heavily in plug-in hybrids, and also started a vision for an EV range.
The sustainability efforts were gathered under the 'Recharge' branding – both PHEVs and fully electric models. More recently, the novel battery-powered models have had a simpler naming scheme – EX30, EX90, and EM90. Now, to make sure no one feels confused about the different monikers, Volvo has announced the decision to "streamline" and standardize the model names for its fully electric vehicles.
More precisely, the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models have dropped the 'Recharge' branding and will be known as the EX40 and EC40 from now on, while the XC40 name is kept for the regular ICE-powered versions. Now "seamlessly fitting" in with their other fully electric models, the EX40 and EC40 will be joined on the road by the EX30, EX90, and EM90, as they are all due to start deliveries later this year.
"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," says Bjorn Annwall, chief commercial officer and deputy CEO. Additionally, Volvo promises that alongside these five EV models, there will be "several new (EV) models to come." Most likely, they are talking about zero-emissions versions of the 60 and 90 series of passenger cars plus the EX60 crossover SUV.
Anyway, the new naming scheme also affects the plug-in hybrid models, which also drop the 'Recharge' badge and "are now denoted simply by the T6 or T8 suffix indicating different levels of power output." The Swedish company is also announcing a slew of upgrades simultaneously. First, there is a new Performance software pack for the EX40 and EC40 Twin Motor versions, which is also available in select markets for the previous model year.
It brings an additional 25 kW (34 hp) into the mix, "unique pedal mapping for quicker accelerator response," as well as a new Performance drive mode that activates the total 325 kW (436 hp) setup. Secondly, there are improvements to the B5 mild hybrid XC60 and XC90 for additional CO2 emission reductions and fuel economy improvements (4% for XC60 and 2% for XC90 based on the WLTP cycle).
Thirdly, inspired by the popularity of the XC60 Black Edition launched in 2023, there is also a limited Black Edition of the 2024MY EX40, EC40, and XC40 models. The unique series includes an Onyx Black exterior shade, high gloss black badging, new 20-inch five-spoke alloys in high gloss black, and either microtech or textile charcoal interior trims.
Initially, Volvo Cars was sold to Ford Motor Company, but after just a decade, it was sold at a loss for almost $2 billion to China's Geely. The company was left alone for a while before embarking on a novel sustainability journey with a target to become a fully electric automaker like Tesla by 2030. To make sure they don't go back on their promise, the brand first dropped all of the engines larger than four cylinders, invested heavily in plug-in hybrids, and also started a vision for an EV range.
The sustainability efforts were gathered under the 'Recharge' branding – both PHEVs and fully electric models. More recently, the novel battery-powered models have had a simpler naming scheme – EX30, EX90, and EM90. Now, to make sure no one feels confused about the different monikers, Volvo has announced the decision to "streamline" and standardize the model names for its fully electric vehicles.
More precisely, the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models have dropped the 'Recharge' branding and will be known as the EX40 and EC40 from now on, while the XC40 name is kept for the regular ICE-powered versions. Now "seamlessly fitting" in with their other fully electric models, the EX40 and EC40 will be joined on the road by the EX30, EX90, and EM90, as they are all due to start deliveries later this year.
"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," says Bjorn Annwall, chief commercial officer and deputy CEO. Additionally, Volvo promises that alongside these five EV models, there will be "several new (EV) models to come." Most likely, they are talking about zero-emissions versions of the 60 and 90 series of passenger cars plus the EX60 crossover SUV.
Anyway, the new naming scheme also affects the plug-in hybrid models, which also drop the 'Recharge' badge and "are now denoted simply by the T6 or T8 suffix indicating different levels of power output." The Swedish company is also announcing a slew of upgrades simultaneously. First, there is a new Performance software pack for the EX40 and EC40 Twin Motor versions, which is also available in select markets for the previous model year.
It brings an additional 25 kW (34 hp) into the mix, "unique pedal mapping for quicker accelerator response," as well as a new Performance drive mode that activates the total 325 kW (436 hp) setup. Secondly, there are improvements to the B5 mild hybrid XC60 and XC90 for additional CO2 emission reductions and fuel economy improvements (4% for XC60 and 2% for XC90 based on the WLTP cycle).
Thirdly, inspired by the popularity of the XC60 Black Edition launched in 2023, there is also a limited Black Edition of the 2024MY EX40, EC40, and XC40 models. The unique series includes an Onyx Black exterior shade, high gloss black badging, new 20-inch five-spoke alloys in high gloss black, and either microtech or textile charcoal interior trims.
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