VOLVO is streamlining and standardising its model names for fully electric cars in line with its transformation towards becoming a fully electric car maker by 2030.

The fully electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models are renamed to EX40 and EC40 respectively, fitting in with its other fully electric models: the EX30, EX90 and EM90.

The XC40 name remains for internal combustion-powered variants of the model.

In 2023, fully electric cars represented 16 per cent of Volvo's global sales volumes, an increase of 70 per cent versus 2022.

The EX30, EX90 and EM90 will all hit the road this year and bring the number of fully electric models in its product portfolio to five, with several more new models to come.

The update also includes the removal of Recharge badging from Volvo's plug-in hybrid models, which are now denoted by the T6 or T8 suffix indicating different levels of power output.

"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 Bjorn Annwall, Volvo's chief commercial officer and deputy CEO.

The Swedish car maker is also introducing a new Performance software pack for its EX40 and EC40 Twin Motor variants, and as an upgrade for the previous model year in selected markets.

The Performance software pack, which increases power output by 25kW for faster acceleration, also includes unique pedal mapping for quicker accelerator response and a Performance drive mode to unlock maximum power.

The company is also making improvements to its hybrid products. B5 mild-hybrid petrol variants of the XC60 and XC90 now use a more efficient engine combustion cycle, expected to result in CO2emission reductions and fuel economy improvements of up to around four per cent for the XC60 and around two per cent for the XC90.

Finally, there's a special Black Edition of the EX40, EC40 and the XC40 models, following on from the XC60 Black Edition launched last year. The Black Edition models come with Onyx Black paint, high-gloss black badging, 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black, and the choice between microtech or textile charcoal interiors.

The EC40, EX40 and XC40 have Google built-in and smart interior storage - and in the case of the electric duo, electric range of up to 365 miles for the EC40 and up to 360 miles for the EX40.

UK-specific information is still to be confirmed with first deliveries slated before the summer of 2024.