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  • Volvo to fix speedometer glitch on all 72K EX30 EVs with a software update

    Volvo to fix speedometer glitch on all 72K EX30 EVs with a software update

    Swedish automaker Volvo has just issued a voluntary recall on all its China-made EX30 electric SUVs due to a software issue that obscures the speedometer, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Issue

    According to The Wall Street Journal, the discovered software glitch causes the EX30’s speedometer to enter test mode upon startup.

    Volvo also reportedly explained the issue in a press release on Monday, saying that the software bug causes the EX30 units to unintendedly throw up a “test screen” on the center monitor. In effect, it obscures the normal driving statistics displayed on the screen, including the speedometer and infotainment features.

    The software issue prompted Volvo to launch a safety recall on every EX30 EV it has produced to date.

    According to The Register, the issue initially occurred in May when the Swedish automaker imposed a safety recall for 1,255 EX30s in the Australian market.

    “Due to a software error, the infotainment unit screen may enter a test mode during startup of the vehicle. This may prevent key information such as the vehicle’s speed from being displayed. Failure to display key information may potentially increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.”

    The Australian recall indicated

    Affected models

    As mentioned, the affected models include all the EX30 models Volvo has produced so far since January.

    The total number of electric SUVs with the said software defect reached 71,956 units.

    Fortunately, Volvo guaranteed that the software issue did not affect any other EV models. It also did not receive any reports of accidents or injuries associated with the software bug.

    Remedy

    Volvo plans to roll out an over-the-air software update to fix the software issues that plagued its 71,956 EX30 electric SUVs.

    The Swedish automaker offers two options to affected owners for the OTA software update. First, they can initiate the software update on their own. Second, they can bring their EX30s to the nearest dealership, where they can receive the OTA update for free.

    The company has already released notices to EX30 owners, stating that it would “ensure that I (the EX30 owner) continue to use a safe and reliable vehicle.”

    This recent safety recall implies the challenges Volvo is facing with the new EX30 EV. For context, it is already the second time that a software issue has hit the new electric SUV since its launch in January. The first time was when Volvo delayed its launch primarily because the software was not yet ready. Hopefully, it will be the last software issue the EX30 faces.

  • Volvo moves EV production to Europe amid EU-China trade tensions

    Volvo moves EV production to Europe amid EU-China trade tensions

    Volvo has just initiated a major shift in its electric vehicle production strategy. According to The Times, the Swedish automaker has started to move its EV production from China to Belgium to avoid the looming import tariffs on Chinese-made EVs in Europe.

    Potential EU tariffs on Chinese-made EVs prompt shift

    Volvo has started relocating its electric vehicle production from China to Belgium primarily because it anticipates that the EU will follow through with its plans to impose higher import tariffs on Beijing-subsidized electric vehicle imports in the region.

    The Swedish automaker is also reportedly planning to move the production of some Volvo models bound for the UK.

    For context, the European Commission initiated a probe in 2023 to determine whether China-made EVs benefit from distortive subsidies from Beijing.

    The probe formally launched on October 4 last year and will potentially conclude up to 13 months. The Commission can set provisional anti-subsidy tariffs nine months after initiating the investigation.

    The Commission is expected to announce its decision on the potential provisional tariffs on July 4, which would increase import duties from the current 10%.

    Volvo withdraws plans to halt sales of China-built EVs bound for Europe

    Volvo was also planning to stop selling Chinese-made EVs in Europe if the EU ends up introducing import tariffs, the report noted, citing company insiders. It will supposedly help the Swedish brand mitigate the potential impact of EU tariffs.

    However, moving the Volvo EX30 and EX90 production to Belgium is expected to eliminate the necessity for such moves. The report indicated Volvo’s remarks that halting the sales of EVs produced in China is no longer under consideration.

    Volvo’s recent moves demonstrate the intensifying trade tensions between the EU and China. It also hints at the potential impact these tensions can have on global supply chains for electric vehicles.

    All that said, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop. Nonetheless, Volvo’s production relocation suggests that the company is taking steps to minimize the risk of disruptions caused by potential tariffs.

  • Volvo to launch world’s first EV battery passport ahead of EU mandate

    Volvo to launch world’s first EV battery passport ahead of EU mandate

    Volvo Cars is on track to become the world’s first automaker to launch an electric vehicle battery passport for better transparency. According to Reuters, the new program will debut through the new Volvo EX90 electric SUV.

    Volvo to release detailed reports on battery origins & sustainability

    Volvo will deliver the electric vehicle industry’s first-ever battery passport with the launch of its flagship EX90 SUV later this year.

    The Swedish automaker plans to start the production of the EX90 SUV in the first half of 2024.

    Volvo worked with British supply chain traceability technology provider Circulor to develop the battery passport over the past five years, leveraging the latter’s cutting-edge blockchain technology.

    Future Volvo EX90 SUV owners can access the simplified version of the battery passport via a QR code inside the driver’s door. Meanwhile, regulators will have a more comprehensive version, including up-to-date EV battery health data. According to Circulor CEO Douglas Johnson-Poensgen, it will cost around $10 per EV for 15 years.

    Volvo plans to gradually expand the new program’s coverage across its entire EV lineup.

    Prioritizing transparency with detailed battery info

    According to the report, the said passport will inform customers about the battery’s key data, such as composition, origin, and carbon footprint.

    In effect, it further improves transparency in electric vehicle battery data.

    True enough, Volvo’s Global Sustainability Head Vanessa Butani asserted that initiating the battery passport almost three years ahead of the EU’s mandate demonstrates their commitment to transparency with car buyers amid its 2030 all-electric lineup target.

    “It’s really important for us to be a pioneer and a leader.”

    Volvo’s Global Sustainability Head, Vanessa Butani

    EU’s take on ethical sourcing in EVs

    The European Union is set to require battery passports for electric vehicles competing in the local market starting on February 2027.

    It will demand that electric automakers disclose the composition, origin, carbon footprint, and recycled content of each battery in their electric vehicle fleet.

    “Battery passports are an important development for consumers because they will track the state of the vehicle’s battery health over time as the vehicle is charged and discharged. This is especially important for buyers in the used car market who otherwise have no information about battery health. Mileage, for example, doesn’t fully reflect battery health – what matters much more is how the battery was cycled over its life (e.g. slow or fast, how “deep,” etc.). Future customers will be able to learn much more about the vehicle they’re buying from battery passports.”

    John Helveston, George Washington University’s Engineering and Systems Management Assistant Professor (via Electrek)

    Volvo is one of the first few legacy automakers to commit to becoming an all-electric brand by the end of the decade. Therefore, it is no longer surprising that the Swedish brand is trying to become a leader in this field.

    Volvo plans to start producing the new EX90 SUV with a battery passport soon at its existing Charleston factory in South Carolina. It will be available in the European and North American markets from the second half of the year.

    Presented below are the available trims for the new Volvo EX90 in the US market when it launches this year, alongside their base prices:


    2025 Volvo EX90 trim    		Starting price
    (*excluding
    destination)
    Twin Motor Plus 7-seater$76,695
    Twin Motor Plus 6-seater$77,195
    Twin Motor Ultra 7-seater$81,045
    Twin Motor Ultra 6-seater$81,545
    Performance Plus 7-seater$81,695
    Performance Plus 6-seater$82,195
    Performance Ultra 7-seater$86,045
    Performance Ultra 6-seater$86,545
  • Tesla Supercharger network access for GM, Polestar delayed due to layoffs

    Tesla Supercharger network access for GM, Polestar delayed due to layoffs

    Tesla’s original plan to open its industry-leading charging network in North America for other electric vehicles has encountered delays due to the recent layoffs that have affected the entire Supercharging team, according to Quartz.

    Tesla layoffs hit Polestar, GM charging plans

    General Motors, Polestar, and Volvo were on track to gain access to the robust Tesla Supercharger network in North America this Spring.

    A total of 15,000 Supercharger stalls will supposedly accommodate non-Tesla electric vehicles, making charging sessions more convenient for EV drivers across the US and Canada.

    However, the Musk-led company suddenly dismissed its entire Supercharging team, including its Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure, Rebecca Tinucci, earlier this year. The move is part of the wider layoff push that affected 10% of Tesla’s global workforce to help sustain cash.

    In effect, the sudden reorganization reportedly affected the plans of several of Tesla’s NACS partners. Some of them were pushed to delay their anticipated access to Tesla’s charging network.

    According to PC Mag, GM and Polestar confirmed they postponed their originally planned acquisition of NACS adapters from Spring to Summer. Meanwhile, Volvo has yet to confirm the news.

    Tesla backtracks from the layoffs

    Tesla has recently hired back some employees of the approximately 500 Supercharger team members CEO Elon Musk laid off in late April 2024.

    While the total number of rehired Supercharger team members remains vague, Max de Zegher confirmed his return to Tesla as the North American Charging Director.

    https://twitter.com/pablo9948967714/status/1790066740581355666

    George Bahadue also announced his come back as the company’s Sr. Manager of Site Acquisition and Business Development for Commercial Charging on the social networking website LinkedIn.

    “Two weeks ago, I was asked to return to Tesla in my previous capacity heading up business development and site acquisition for Tesla charging – I accepted.”

    George Bahadue, Tesla Supercharger Manager

    Moreover, CEO Elon Musk also reiterated plans to continue expanding the Supercharger network. However, it will apparently observe a slower pace than planned.

    “Tesla still plans to grow the Supercharger network, just at a slower pace for new locations and more focus on 100% uptime and expansion of existing locations.”

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk

    The Tesla boss’ decision to lay off the Supercharger team seems a wrong idea, considering how it impeded the wider adoption of NACS in the region. It also compromised the plans of its partners, potentially disappointing their current and future customers.

    As of now, only Ford and Rivian have gained access to Tesla’s Supercharger network through NACS adapters.

    Considering GM and Polestar’s confirmation of delayed access, all other OEMs in line behind will certainly encounter similar delays. For context, the order in which automakers signed up for the Supercharger network will likely determine the order in which they gain access to the network.

  • Affordable Volvo EX30 achieves early success in the global EV market

    Affordable Volvo EX30 achieves early success in the global EV market

    Volvo’s low-cost electric crossover EX30 has started fulfilling its promise of profitable growth. According to the press release, strong customer demand for the EX30 helped boost the company’s gross margins in the first quarter of the year.

    Volvo EX30 starts delivering profitable growth

    The entry-level Volvo EX30 is on track to advance as the brand’s top-selling electric vehicle model by the end of the year despite only launching just months ago.

    The Swedish automaker’s global deliveries of EX30s reached 14,500 in Q1 2024. March alone accounted for over half of that total, with 8,681 EX30s deliveries.

    Despite serving as Volvo’s cheapest EV, it still managed to yield 15%-20% gross margins. For comparison, the overall battery-electric vehicle (BEV) portfolio reported a 16% gross margin. 

    That rate already matches that of Tesla and Rivian’s 17.4% and 15% gross margins in the same period, respectively. Notably, these two American electric automakers sell larger and higher-cost EVs that used to record larger gross margins.

    “Its first quarter performance demonstrates the prospects of the EX30. In only a few months, the EX30 has lived up to its promise of being a profitable growth driver for the company’s business while collecting numerous awards.”

    Volvo

    Volvo’s electrification progress

    Volvo enjoyed record-breaking global vehicle sales in Q1 2024, primarily due to the surging demand for its BEV offerings.

    Notably, it is among the first legacy automakers to commit to electric vehicles. In effect, it successfully hit a 100% electrified sales share in 18 different markets in Q1 2024. It represents notable progress from just 15 markets in the prior quarter.

    Meanwhile, BEVs accounted for more than 40% of its sales share in 19 different markets in the first quarter. It also indicates a remarkable increase from just 13 markets in Q4 2023.

    The low-cost EX30 largely contributed to the brand’s sales growth in Q1 2024, according to Volvo Cars CCO and Deputy CEO Björn Annwall. The electric crossover boosted the company’s EV share to a record 21% in the first quarter. 

    “In the first three months of 2024, thousands of customers across Europe got behind the wheel of an EX30, with many more in line as Volvo Cars prepares to deliver EX30 cars in other countries as well, including the US, China, South Korea and Canada, in the coming weeks and months. This means by the end of this year, EX30 will be sold in over 90 countries.”

    Volvo

    Moving forward

    Volvo aims to have its BEVs, including the EX30, EX40, EC40, EX90, and EM90, account for 50% of its overall sales by the end of 2025. 

    According to Volvo CEO Jim Rowan, it further plans to launch a new BEV model as early as next year. However, the company has yet to reveal more details about this upcoming player in the highly competitive electric vehicle market.

    “We have a cycle plan that takes into account different parts of the world, the different models, shapes, sizes and price points, customer demographics and the change in customer sentiment. We put all of that thinking into a range plan or cycle plan strategy. We develop cars and then when the time is right, we announce those cars to the public. So that is a ‘wait and see’ question.”

    Volvo CEO Jim Rowan

    Volvo aims to make the all-electric crossover EX30 available to more than 90 countries by the end of 2024. With an expanding electric vehicle portfolio, the Swedish automaker expects to witness strong customer demand this year. 

    It is also optimistic that revenues can hit SEK 550-600 billion ($50B to $55B) with an above 8% EBIT margin in 2026. For reference, its revenue dropped 2$ to SEK 93.9 billion ($8.6B) in Q1 2024, apparently due to contract manufacturing. Presented below are Volvo’s Q1 2024 global sales results:

  • Volvo, CATL partner to recycle old electric vehicle batteries

    Volvo, CATL partner to recycle old electric vehicle batteries

    Swedish automaker Volvo has just formed a new partnership with Chinese battery giant CATL on battery recycling and critical material reuse, CnEVPost reported.

    This new partnership is crucial for the companies’ goal of cutting electric vehicles’ carbon footprint and accelerating the shift to sustainable mobility. It came after a long-term agreement the two companies signed in 2019 for li-ion battery supply for Volvo and Polestar EVs.

    Volvo and CATL’s new partnership

    Volvo and CATL formally inked a memorandum of strategic cooperation on Tuesday to co-recycle electric vehicle batteries. 

    For context, EV batteries use a wide range of non-renewable metal components. Mining and processing these metals generate significant carbon emissions, which reduce the sustainability of electric vehicles.

    The two major industry players aim to lessen the CO2 emissions in electric vehicles’ entire life cycle by recycling and reusing old batteries.

    The partnership will leverage the old batteries from Volvo’s electric vehicles and those discarded during factory production. Then, its certified suppliers will disassemble these batteries to collect over 90% of the key minerals like nickel, cobalt, lithium, etc.

    CATL will then utilize these recycled battery minerals to make new batteries for the Swedish company’s new electric vehicle models.

    According to the battery giant’s marketing system co-president Tan Libin, Volvo & CATL’s agreement marks a significant advancement in establishing battery recycling, the closed-loop business model in China.

    Volvo’s electrification push

    Volvo is one of the first legacy automakers to join the electric vehicle drive. In a significant advancement, the Swedish company produced its final diesel-powered model in March. Now, it seeks to focus on developing and launching new electric vehicle models.

    Volvo Chief Executive Jim Rowan asserted that 2023 was a “key milestone” for the brand. Its battery-electric vehicle sales exceeded 113,000 units last year, representing a 70% year-on-year growth.

    In the same year, EVs hit a 16% share in the brand’s overall vehicle sales. These considered, Volvo expects this year to deliver a “tremendous growth.” CEO Rowan believes the new model launches, including the low-cost EX30, will propel Volvo’s sales growth in 2024.

    Starting at $34,950 in the US and €36,590 in Europe, it has already boosted the brand’s electric vehicle sales this year. In March, Volvo sold a total of 18,021 EVs. It indicates a notable increase from just 12,621 units in the same period last year.

    Volvo aims for 30% recycled material use in its portfolio by 2030

    The new partnership with CATL can help Volvo achieve its target of using an average of 30% recycled materials across its entire electric vehicle portfolio by the end of the decade. It will rise to at least 35% in the years succeeding 2030.

    In addition, Volvo also aims to hit carbon neutrality by 2040. In order to achieve this 2040 target, it strives to have its electric vehicles account for 50% of its total vehicle sales by the end of 2025. That rate will increase to 100% by 2030.

    Volvo and CATL’s partnership in battery recycling demonstrates their commitment to lower electric vehicles’ carbon footprint throughout their life cycle. 

  • Volvo says goodbye to diesel with last XC90 SUV headed to museum 

    Volvo says goodbye to diesel with last XC90 SUV headed to museum 

    Swedish automaker Volvo has produced its final diesel-powered passenger vehicle, part of its promise to become an all-electric brand in early 2024. According to Motor1, the last XC90 SUV will be headed to a museum to preserve the brand’s major transition to electric vehicles.

    Volvo delivers its electric promise

    Volvo finally built its last diesel-powered model, the XC90 SUV, at its assembly line in Torslanda, Sweden. 

    However, instead of delivering the XC90 SUV to customers, the model will go to the World of Volvo museum in Gothenburg, Sweden, for posterity. It marks the Swedish automaker’s conclusion of its 45-year relationship with diesel engines.

    The last XC90 SUV features a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid, which generates 235 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.

    Slower-than-expected uptake remains a challenge

    Volvo’s strong commitment to electric vehicles contradicts other automakers’ decision to scale back their electrification efforts amid the slower-than-expected uptake.

    For instance, German legacy automaker Mercedes-Benz moved its target of having electric and hybrid vehicles account for 50% of its total sales to the end of the decade. It indicates a 5-year delay from its original plan of doing so by 2025.

    Despite the slower electric vehicle uptake, the automotive industry’s shift to clean energy is undoubtedly progressive when one takes a longer perspective.

    Volvo’s electrification progress

    In hindsight, most of Volvo’s vehicle sales in the European market were diesel-powered in 2019. In a significant development, battery-electric and hybrid vehicle models have started to dominate its sales in the region. 

    Volvo’s electric vehicle sales increased by 70% in 2023, a major boost to its plan to become an all-electric brand by the end of the decade. 

    Volvo’s electrification target is crucial for the company’s wider goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.

    Impressively, these efforts are already progressing in the United States. Volvo is on track to launch its two new electric vehicle models, the EX30 and EX90, in the US market in 2024. 

    The EX30 will arrive as a compact electric SUV with a base price of about $35,000, while the EX90 will be an electric version of the top-selling XC90 midsize SUV that starts at $77,990.

  • Volvo Cars partners with London’s Breathe Battery Technologies to reduce EV charging time by 30%

    Volvo Cars partners with London’s Breathe Battery Technologies to reduce EV charging time by 30%

    Swedish automaker Volvo Cars has tapped Imperial College London spinoff Breathe Battery Technologies (BBT) to gain access to its innovative software, which promises to reduce electric vehicle charging time by 30%.

    Volvo Cars to integrate BBT’s tech into its battery management platform

    Volvo plans to install BBT’s technology into its internally developed battery management platform to accelerate the speed of its electric vehicle charging technology, the press release indicated.

    According to the Swedish automaker, BBT’s algorithm-based charging software will lessen the charging time from 10% to 80% by as much as 30%. Despite the significant reduction in charging time, its software can still preserve the battery’s energy density and range.

    Furthermore, Volvo claims that these charging time headways will remain until the battery’s end of life without compromising its health. It is indeed a significant development, which can potentially make Volvo Cars’ electric vehicles more competitive in the rapidly growing market.

    “Faster charging times, in the range where customers typically fast charge, represent a major step in the right direction as we continue to boost electric mobility and make it available to more people.”

    Ann-Sofie Ekberg, Volvo Cars Tech Fund CEO

    What’s special about BBT’s software?

    BBT’s software is different from pre-determined stepped charging in a way that it employs adaptive charging to dynamically monitor and control the battery in real time. With this innovative approach, the company’s software can reduce charging times.

    Its software utilizes algorithms to control the entire charging process consistent with the battery’s health to enable a more convenient electric vehicle charging experience. It also ensures that this faster charging capability will cause lithium plating, which is the metallic lithium formation around the anode of Li-ion batteries during charging. This is an alarming occurrence, which can significantly harm the overall performance and lifespan of Li-ion batteries.

    “This is the tip of the iceberg for unlocking what will be an awfully big change coming in batteries as they become more software defined.”

    Breathe CEO Ian Campbell 

    How can the partnership aid Volvo Cars?

    As per the report, Volvo Cars’ partnership with BBT stems from a sourcing deal for its flagship product, the Breathe Charge. It apparently signifies the latest investment of the Swedish automaker’s venture capital arm, Volvo Cars Tech Fund. However, it did not disclose the exact amount of the investment for this new venture.

    Volvo Cars stated that this partnership will enable the application of smaller batteries in electric vehicles. In effect, the company will be able to cut costs, reduce electric vehicles’ weight and improve efficiency.

    “The investment and commercial partnership with Breathe helps us address a familiar pain point for electric car customers and makes our charging performance even more competitive.”

    Ann-Sofie Ekberg, Volvo Cars Tech Fund CEO

    Volvo Cars also believes that scaling will be easy, given the 100% compatibility of BBTD’s software to its new-gen BEVs’ hardware. Therefore, the Swedish automaker no longer needs to adjust the battery pack design or source additional materials to support the innovative software from the London-based battery performance company. BBT’s software is expected to reach Volvo Cars’ new EVs within the next two to three years.

  • Tesla and other OEMs form EMA to boost Mexican electric vehicle market

    Tesla and other OEMs form EMA to boost Mexican electric vehicle market

    Leading American electric automaker Tesla, along with other auto and charging companies across the world, teamed up to form the Electro Mobility Association (EMA) to boost the electric vehicle industry in Mexico.

    https://twitter.com/elon_xmusk77/status/1766211914806206924

    Electro Mobility Association launches in Mexico

    Industry giants Tesla, BYD, Evergo, JAC, SEV, VEMO, and Volvo, formally formed the EMA in Mexico, according to Mexico Automotive. The EMA officially introduced its first-ever President to lead its operations during the recent conference, Shirley Wagner.

    “The EMA has to be that reference that helps the main electric car companies to integrate into the Mexican market, if not also that the citizens themselves begin to abandon the use of combustion-based cars for an electric one.”

    Shirley Wagner, EMA President 

    The EMA members committed to raising their electric vehicle investments in the country to launch new technologies as they acknowledge the local industry’s lag in electrification compared to its trading partners.

    EMA’s primary goal

    The coalition primarily aims to fully electrify the automotive landscape in Mexico by 2035. 

    EMA seeks to boost the country’s electric vehicle industry, a crucial part of its strategy to cut CO2 emissions and improve clean air. The members apparently plan to work with other major players who can aid in developing regulations and impose green practices that adhere to the coalition’s goals.

    Under the EMA’s near-term targets, it aims to support the development, installation, and operation of electric vehicle charging infrastructures in the country. It also seeks to boost economic growth from the country’s developing electric car industry. 

    “Achieving this goal will create thousands of new jobs, secure a leading position in electric vehicle manufacturing globally, improve public health, and significantly reduce pollution and carbon emissions.”

    Shirley Wagner, EMA President 

    Tesla’s role

    Tesla’s new Gigafactory in Mexico will undoubtedly play a significant role in EMA’s efforts to achieve its above-mentioned goals. 

    The Tesla Giga Mexico is expected to produce the American EV giant’s most affordable offering to date, widely known as the Model 2. Chief Executive Elon Musk previously announced that the new factory may also build the highly in-demand Cybertruck during phase III.

    In addition, China’s BYD is also apparently planning to erect a new EV production plant in the country, with Nuevo León being one of the strongest candidates. It is not surprising since the state is also home to Tesla’s Giga Mexico.

    As of now, Mexico only has more than 40,275 EVs on its roads and 32,175 chargers available. Inspired by successful associations like the US’ ZETA, EMA aims to lead lobbying efforts with the Mexican government and private sector stakeholders to develop EV-supportive and feasible policies.

  • Volvo revamps XC40 and C40 Recharge with new moniker and upgrades amid its plans to streamline electric vehicle model names

    Volvo revamps XC40 and C40 Recharge with new moniker and upgrades amid its plans to streamline electric vehicle model names

    Swedish automaker Volvo Cars has just announced plans to simplify the model names of its electric vehicles as it prepares to become an all-electric brand by the end of the decade, as per the press release.

    Name changes

    As part of the new strategy, Volvo renamed the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge to simply “EX40” and “EC40” for the 2025 model year. The move will enable the Swedish brand to standardize its electric vehicles’ model names, seamlessly conforming to the EX30, EX90, and EM90. However, the XC40 will remain the model name of the SUV’s gas-powered counterpart. 

    As you can observe, Volvo’s electric vehicle lineup will not start with “E.” Electric SUVs will reportedly go by “EX,” while SUV coupés will be “EC,” according to Electrive.

    Volvo also disclosed plans to eliminate the “Recharge” badging from its plug-in hybrid model offerings. They will now indicate the “T6” or “T8” suffix to differentiate the vehicles’ power output level.

    “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 lineup and refresh our hybrids.”

    Björn Annwall, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO at Volvo Cars

    Upgrades

    Volvo has also released new performance upgrades for the EX40 and EC40 in selected markets, along with the name update.

    Volvo launched a new Performance software pack for the two models’ Twin Motor versions, which boosts the power output by 25 kW (33 horsepower) for a 325 kW (4365 hp) total. 

    It also offers a new pedal mapping that quickens acceleration response. In addition, the software upgrade also comes with a new “Performance” drive mode to access the maximum 325kW power output.

    Volvo Cars owners can obtain the upgrade via the official mobile app and simply initiate an over-the-air (OTA) software update.

    Purpose

    Volvo’s move to streamline its model naming scheme will significantly aid prospective customers to better understand what the Swedish brand is offering. It will differentiate its all-electric vehicle models from its hybrid models. 

    These efforts are part of the Swedish automaker’s preparation to become an all-electric vehicle maker by 2030. It seeks to make its electric vehicle offerings easier to remember for most customers. 

    In 2023, the brand’s electric vehicle sales surged 70% year-on-year to 113,419 units, accounting for 16% of the global market. By 2025, Volvo aims to have EVs account for 50% or about 600,000 of its overall vehicle sales.