During last month’s unveiling of the 2024 EX90, Volvo teased an entry-level crossover that will be introduced next year. The company didn’t say anything about it, but Volvo CEO Jim Rowan revealed some details during a lengthy interview with Automotive News Europe. While the company is keeping specifications under wraps, Rowan called the model an EX30 and said the vehicle is a “really important car for us” as it will enable them to “reach a different price demographic.” He didn’t give a number, but Volvo’s current entry-level EV is the XC40 Recharge and it starts at US$ 53,550. That’s US$ 17,200 more than the ICE-powered XC40 and it puts the electric crossover out of reach for a number of consumers.
Despite being relatively affordable, the
model promises to have “top safety equipment, a fantastic ride, and high
quality.” Rowan went on to say the smaller size will help keep costs down,
while the EX30 will offer a variety of battery packs so customers can “choose
the range that best fits their lifestyle and their budget.”
Rowan added the model will be offered on a
subscription basis with as little as a three-month commitment. He said this
will attract a “much younger demographic,” who will probably never even go to a
dealership as everything will be handled online. While a three-month commitment
isn’t very long, Rowan believes customers will keep their subscriptions for
“much longer than three months because they like the flexibility.”
The executive suggested customers could be
as young as 18 years old and getting a car for the first time. He said they’ll
be attracted by the flexibility and “right price point” as well as the
insurance and roadside assistance that is included as part of Care by Volvo. Rowan
went on to say the EX30 will be manufactured in China. It remains unclear if
the crossover will also be built elsewhere, but the model is expected to ride
on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture.
