2024 Volvo EX40, EC40 are new names for XC40, C40 electric cars

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will now be known as the EX40 – and the C40 Recharge will become the EC40 – under a rework of the names affixed to Volvo's hybrid and electric cars.

It brings Volvo's first two electric vehicles in line with its latest models – the EX30 city SUV, EX90 large SUV and EM90 people mover – with E-series designations to be used by all future electric cars from the Swedish car maker.

Volvo has trademarked names for an entire range of electric vehicles: ES40, ES60 and ES90 for sedans, EV40, EV60 and EV90 for hatchbacks or wagons, the EC40, and EX30, EX40, EX60 and EX90 for SUVs.

The XC40 badge remains for petrol versions of the SUV, which is now six years old with no all-new model on the horizon.

Plug-in hybrid Volvo models have dropped the Recharge badge – previously used for plug-in hybrid and electric models – and will now be known solely as T6 or T8, depending on the power output.

Alongside the name change, a new Performance software pack will become available for twin-motor EX40 and EC40 – as well as the Model Year 2024 XC40 and C40 electric twin-motor variants as an "upgrade ... in selected markets".

It boosts power by 25kW to 325kW – which is still 25kW down on the top-of-the-range version of the related Polestar 2 electric car – and promises "quicker accelerator response" from the right pedal.

It will be sold in "available markets ... as an optional upgrade pack via the Volvo Cars app when ordering a new car," or as a downloadable online purchase for existing examples.

Volvo has also announced B5 mild-hybrid variants of the XC60 and XC90 use a new engine combustion cycle estimated to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by about 4 per cent for the XC60, and 2 per cent for the XC90.

A 'Black Edition' for the EX40, EC40 and XC40 has also been added, with Onyx Black paint, gloss black badges, black 20-inch alloy wheels, and microtech or textile grey interiors.

Drive has contacted Volvo Australia to confirm when the new names will come into effect locally, and if the other updates will be offered.