Environment

Volvo’s cheapest EV just hit a major milestone as sales surge

Volvo’s cheapest EV, the EX30, has already crossed a significant milestone. The 100,000th Volvo EX30 rolled off the assembly line on September 30 as demand for the low-cost electric SUV continues rising.

After kicking off EX30 production last fall in China, Volvo has already built its 100,000th model. The milestone comes as sales continue surging.

Volvo announced that the 100,000th mass-produced EX30 officially rolled off the assembly line on September 30, 2024.

Despite its compact size, the EX30 is loaded with the tech and safety the Volvo brand promises to deliver. As Volvo said, the EX30 is “small but powerful” and a new starting point for the brand.

Starting at around $40,000 (30,000 euros), the EX30 is Volvo’s cheapest and smallest EV. In China, it starts at around $28,600 (200,800 yuan). However, it’s already making a big impact on the Volvo brand.

According to Dataforce, the EX30 was Europe’s second-best-selling EV last month, trailing only the Tesla Model Y.

Although EV registrations slipped 43.9% in the EU last month, Volvo saw some of the biggest sales growth.

Volvo's-cheapest-EV-milestone
Volvo EX30 production in China (Source: Volvo)

Volvo’s cheapest EV is charging up sales

Volvo’s vehicle sales were up 36% YOY to 19,605. The EX30 was the main growth driver, adding 6,377 to the total.

The milestone comes despite Volvo’s cheapest EV being delayed in the US. Volvo was expected to launch the EX30 in the US later this year, but it won’t arrive until the second half of 2025.

Volvo-EX30-milestone
Volvo EX30 (Source: Volvo)

Volvo delayed it after the US announced a new 100% tariff on EV imports from China, where the EX30 is built.

To bypass the extra tariffs, Volvo plans to build EX30 models at its Ghent, Belgium plant and export them to the US. Starting at $34,950, the EX30 will not only be Volvo’s cheapest EV in the US but also one of the most affordable electric cars on the market.

Volvo-EX30-interior
Volvo EX30 interior (Source: Volvo)

The EX30 gets up to 295 miles (476 km) combined WLTP range. In the city, it can get up to 367 miles (592 km) driving range. In the US, the EX30 is expected to have an EPA-estimated range of up to 275 miles.

Meanwhile, Volvo is starting deliveries of its first three-row electric SUV, the EX90, this month (see our review here). The first EX90 rolled off the production line at its South Carolina plant in June as Volvo looks to revamp US sales.

With two new electric SUVs arriving in high-demand segments, Volvo is poised to build on its momentum as US sales increase.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.