Volvo to build EX30 in Ghent for the European market from 2025

Volvo Cars has decided to produce its EX30 in Europe in the future. The all-electric compact SUV presented in June will come off the production line at the Ghent plant in Belgium from 2025. Until then, the EX30 will come from China.

In Ghent, the EX30 will be the third electric model alongside the XC40 and C40. While these two models are based on the so-called CMA platform (Compact Modular Architecture) from Volvo and the group’s parent company Geely, the EX30 uses the pure electric platform SEA, as reported. The EX30 uses the same drive technology as the Smart #1 or Zeekr X.

However, the EX30 will only hit the streets in Europe after production starts in Belgium. Production of the model recently started at the Chinese plant in Zhangjiakou. Volvo plans to begin deliveries in China before the end of the year.

With the decision to build the EX30 in Ghent and China, Volvo says it is increasing production capacity to meet expected demand in Europe and for global export. However, the Swedes do not specify how many EX30s they plan to build at the Belgian plant.

Volvo also wants to increase its flexibility with production on two continents. The Gothenburg headquarters expects the EX30 to be “one of its best-selling models in coming years.” For the previous bestsellers XC40 and XC60, production was also split in two in Europe and China to meet local demand and not depend on one plant.

Volvo Cars wants to sell only fully electric cars from 2030. In an intermediate step, BEVs will account for half of the global sales volume by the middle of the decade. Therefore, the most affordable electric model, the EX30, plays an important role. With the 49 kWh net LFP battery, the EX30 is available from 36,590 euros. With the 64 kWh “Extended Range” battery, it is 41,790 euros. The 315 kW top model is listed from 48,490 euros.

“Our ambition is to sell the EX30 around the world at an attractive price point, easing the transition to driving an electric Volvo car for more people while also contributing to company margins,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ chief executive. “Adding production in Ghent is a logical move as we aim to capture the strong demand for our exciting small electric SUV across the globe.”

volvocars.com