Volvo P5 to P10 and V20 and V30 trademark filing points at EVs and new models

Volvo has been filing trademark applications in the US and Europe, with P5 to P10 suggesting EVs and V20 and V30 new compact hatches.

If you know Volvos, you know that a Volvo with a ‘T’ model suffix – like XC90 T6 – denotes a petrol engine under the bonnet, and if it has a ‘D’ model suffix – like XC90 D5 – it’s a diesel.

Admittedly, these days that ‘T’ or ‘D’ badged Volvo could also carry a ‘Twin Engine’ badge too – like XC90 T8 Twin Engine – where the ‘Twin Engine’ bit means there’s an electric motor too.

Now, it looks like there’s going to a third suffix from Volvo as the Swedish car maker has been busy filing trademark applications for P5, P6, P7, P8, P9 and P10 to identify new electric cars, according to Swede Speed.

As Volvo seem happy using monikers like ‘T8 Twin Engine’ for their plug-ins, we assume this new ‘P’ trademark must be for pure BEVs.

It’s also not a big stretch to think that Volvo are thinking high-powered BEVS too, with the current D and T suffixes topping out with D6 (for a Twin Engine) and T8 (another Twin Engine), yet the ‘P’ applications head up to P10. 

Perhaps, although there’s no reason to think so based on the current nomenclature, the P5 could be a 50kWh battery on up to the P10 with a 100kWh battery?

Of course, the idea that a Volvo XC90 P10 would deliver a chunk more power than the 400bhp T8 might be wishful thinking. Although the idea of a Volvo XC90 P10 to challenge the performance of a Tesla Model X P100D is hugely appealing. And should frighten the life out of Tesla.

Also in Volvo’s plans, we must assume, is a range of more compact models, sitting below the current V40 and using Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, with applications filed for both V20 and V30 names.

The current V40 is the smallest car in Volvo’s range, but it makes perfect sense that the new CMA Platform is used more widely, and a range of smaller city hatchbacks with electric powertrains seems a very good way to go.