Last month, Volvo declared that it was the first traditional manufacturer to offer a plug-in hybrid version of each of its models. Now though, the Swedes are going one step further. Yep, an all-electric Volvo is imminent.

Rather than a completely new model, Volvo’s first EV will be an XC40 with an electric motor installed and a battery pack integrated into the floor.

Quick word of warning, though, the car in the main image above is petrol-powered. As you can see in the sketches, the EV XC40 will get a covered front grille that’ll provide a more modern look, whilst also acting as a place to hide a load of safety system sensors. We’ll see the full design once the car is revealed later this month.

What else do we know? Well, there’ll be an extra 30-litres of storage space under the bonnet thanks to the lack of internal combustion engine, the carpets will be made of recycled materials and the battery pack won’t affect interior space. Top Gear magazine’s Sensible SUV of the Year 2018 is about to be given a heap more sense.

As of yet, there’s no word from Volvo on the range, power or charging times that we can expect from the XC40 – although we do know that it’ll come in eight different exterior colours with a black roof as standard – yay for colours!

Reckon Volvo can nail the whole electric car thing at the first time of asking?