The vehicle that Volvo itself has called “what the company expects to be one of its best-selling models in coming years” is presumably living up to the automaker’s expectations. Volvo’s least expensive electric vehicle is already proving to be a huge success in core markets like Europe and China. US shoppers can look forward to getting behind the wheel soon – assuming, of course, they can accept the vehicle’s less-than-300-mile range.
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Volvo EX30 offers competitive range and performance, luxury features
Volvo says that they’re bringing the EX30 to the United States in two trim levels. The standard car comes equipped with a single electric motor developing around 268 horsepower and delivering around 275 miles of range. Adrenaline junkies can step up to a twin-motor model that provides 422 horsepower and, presumably, a little bit less range.
Volvo
More surprisingly, the compact SUV goes big with luxury features that belie its modest pricing. The Volvo EX30 offers a 360-degree camera system and Harman Kardon sound, along with Volvo’s parking and driving assistance system, Pilot Assist. A cabin boasting mostly plush, renewable materials and a sparse, minimalist layout that relies heavily on a central screen will likely leave a favorable impression on entry-level luxury shoppers.
Volvo has already produced 100,000 examples of the Chinese-made SUV
Despite the Volvo EX30 only being in production for approximately a year, Volvo’s already into six-figure production numbers. Considering all the SUV offers and a manageable starting price of around 30,000 euros (~$40,000), it’s easy to see why the SUV is spearheading Volvo’s EV sales. It was the second-best-selling EV in Europe in August – trailing only the ubiquitous Tesla Model Y – and Volvo’s third-best-selling model overall in September, selling 9,610 units.
Volvo
One important factor likely bolstering sales is the EX30’s China-based production. In China, the EX30 is offered at an even more endearing price – around $28,600. Understandable when you consider the EX30 is currently solely produced in Zhangjiakou, China. The brutal tariffs on Chinese-produced vehicles are a contributing – if not the leading – reason it isn’t yet available in the United States. However, Belgium-based production begins in 2025, which is when we’ll see the EX30 arrive on our shores.
Final thoughts
The EX30 should make its way to the United States sometime next year with a starting price of just $34,950. That will make it one of the most affordable electric SUVs on the US market. While the range is just shy of that magic 300-mile mark, we won’t be surprised to see customers willing to make concessions in the face of the EV’s otherwise impressive spec sheet and – above all – pricing.
About the author
Steven Paul
Contributing Writer, Autoblog