Volvo Changes Course, with EX30 EV Deliveries Set for This Year
Volvo has revised its timeline for the EX30, now planning to deliver the compact, fully electric SUV to U.S. customers before the end of 2024, despite earlier reports of a delay to 2025. The EX30, Volvo’s smallest and most affordable electric vehicle to date, is expected to attract urban and environmentally conscious buyers with its compact design, high efficiency, and relatively lower price point compared to other models in the lineup.
U.S. customers eagerly awaiting the Volvo EX30 will be pleased to know that the first deliveries are expected before the end of 2024. Since its unveiling in Milan in June 2023, the EX30 has quickly become a best-seller in Europe, and American customers have been anticipating its arrival. Due to overwhelming demand, Volvo Car USA has decided to prioritize deliveries of the powerful 422-hp EX30 Twin Motor Performance model, offered in Plus and Ultra trims, starting at an MSRP of $44,900.
Meanwhile, the Single Motor variant is still slated for a U.S. launch in 2025. For those with preorder reservations, Volvo is inviting customers to configure their EX30s on its website, with configurations opening up in time for these initial deliveries. This focus on the Twin Motor Performance version shows Volvo’s responsiveness to customer interest in higher-performance EV options.
“Volvo has been and always will be about people, which is why we worked hard to make the Volvo EX30 available sooner than anticipated for our customers,” said Mike Cottone, President, Volvo Car USA and Canada. “The EX30 has already proved exceptionally popular in other markets, and we’re excited to bring it to the U.S. this year.”
The Volvo EX30 is designed to embody Volvo’s core values of safety, quality, and Scandinavian design, now enhanced by the high-performance capabilities of the Twin Motor Performance variant. This model offers all-wheel drive and holds the title of the fastest-accelerating Volvo ever, bringing a new level of excitement to the brand’s lineup.
With a charging capacity of up to 153 kW, the EX30’s Twin Motor Performance variant offers an impressive EPA range of 253 miles. Its fast-charging capability allows the battery to go from 10 to 80 percent in just over 25 minutes, adding convenience for EV drivers on the go.
Beyond performance, the EX30 is crafted as a true electric SUV, combining practicality with advanced technology and an eco-friendly design. At a price comparable to traditional combustion engine SUVs, it provides a premium, all-electric option with a minimal carbon footprint—the smallest of any Volvo EV to date.
The EX30’s exceptional design and functionality have already been recognized with awards such as Popular Science’s Best of What’s New 2023, 2024 World Urban Car of the Year, and the Red Dot Best of the Best Product Design 2024. This makes it a standout choice for customers seeking an innovative and sustainable SUV experience.
Charging times for the EX30, which can reach 10 to 80 percent in just over 25 minutes, are also influenced by variables including outdoor temperature, battery temperature, and the type of charging equipment used. This adaptability ensures that drivers can make the most of the vehicle’s fast-charging capability under a variety of conditions, providing a balance between convenience and performance for real-world usage.
Volvo Subject to Chinese EV Tariffs in US
The initial batch of Volvo EX30s for the U.S. market will be manufactured in China, but Volvo plans to shift production to its Ghent, Belgium, facility. This transition is strategic, as EVs imported from China currently face a 100% tariff, which significantly impacts their cost in the U.S. market. By moving production to Belgium, Volvo can avoid these tariffs, helping to keep the EX30 competitively priced.
While Volvo is known for its Swedish roots and Scandinavian design principles, it is part of Geely, the Chinese automotive group that also owns Polestar and Lotus. This global structure allows Volvo to leverage Geely’s resources and expertise while maintaining the brand’s commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability.
Volvo Cars Is Opening Access to Tesla Superchargers in the US and Canada for Its EVs
Volvo Cars is expanding charging options for its EV customers in the U.S. and Canada by providing access to Tesla Superchargers, including for its new EX90 flagship SUV. Starting with model year 2025, Volvo’s EV lineup—including the EX90, EX40, and EC40—will come with an adapter to support charging at Tesla Superchargers and other North American Charging Standard (NACS) stations.
For existing Volvo EV owners, NACS adapters are available for pre-order through Volvo dealerships, priced at $230 USD or $310 CAD, with shipping set to begin on November 18, 2024. Adapter availability for the EX30 model is yet to be announced.
Volvo’s app integrates charging support by helping drivers locate public EV charging stations, check their availability, and pay for charging sessions through a unified platform. Additionally, drivers can use Google Assistant in the car’s infotainment system to find and navigate to charging stations, further enhancing the convenience of EV ownership with Volvo.
