Volvo is stepping up its game in the electric vehicle market by introducing Plug & Charge functionality to its popular EX30, EX40, and EC40 EV models. This feature will be a factory upgrade for new models specifically built for the European market. The convenience of simply plugging in and letting the charging session begin automatically is a feature that Tesla owners have long enjoyed at Supercharger stations. Now, Volvo is following suit by integrating Plug & Charge into its EV lineup.
The EX40 and EC40 models will also receive a new infotainment system as part of the upgrade. This system includes a redesigned user interface and a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon processor for improved performance. Both the hardware and software upgrades will be available on the 2026 model year versions of these vehicles in Europe. While Volvo has not confirmed the availability of this feature in the US, it is a step in the right direction for the brand’s EV offerings.
It’s important to note that Plug & Charge will only be available on new cars as a factory upgrade, meaning existing EV owners will miss out on this feature. Volvo acknowledges the need to improve software updates for older models to keep customers satisfied in the long run. In addition to the Plug & Charge feature, the new infotainment system will also be rolled out to 2.5 million existing Volvo vehicles on the road, including those with Google built-in as early as 2020. This update will bring the latest Volvo Car UX to these vehicles via over-the-air updates.
The debut of the new infotainment system on the EX30 and EX90 EVs showcases Volvo’s commitment to enhancing the user experience for its electric vehicle lineup. With these upgrades, Volvo is positioning itself as a strong competitor in the EV market, offering both convenience and cutting-edge technology to its customers. Stay tuned for more updates on Volvo’s electrification efforts and the rollout of these new features in the coming months.