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 $53,550. That’s $17,200 more than the ICE-powered XC40 and it puts the electric crossover out of reach for a number of consumers.
Also: Volvo Appears To Tease An Entry-Level Electric SUV For 2023
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.
Besides talking about the EX30, Rowan reiterated the XC90 will be sticking around for “a while.” The EX90 is essentially its replacement, but the executive noted the interior of the United States and the interior provinces of China are taking longer to electrify. He chalked this up to a variety of factors including a lack of charging infrastructure and the fact that people living in these areas have longer commutes. As a result, the XC90 makes more sense for them.
Rowan went on to say these customers “like having the backup of a combustion engine” and explained that XC90 plug-in hybrid owners are “very comfortable buying a second car that is full electric.” In effect, it seems like they want at least one model that can travel long distances without the need for lengthy recharging sessions.
