Volvo’s flagship, the quirky EX30 had a number of problems when it was first released. The prices charged actually took away from its affordability, making it more expensive to own, and the battery recall made it dangerous to park indoors. But its discontinuation does not mean the end of Volvo’s efforts to sell affordable electric models. In fact, the Swedish automaker is already at work on a new offering for the US market.
News of Volvo’s affordable US EV came during a press conference this week related to the US launch of the new EX60. Luis Rezende, president of Volvo Cars America, said the decision to drop the EX30 was not just about pricing and profitability, noting that the company is preparing to introduce a new EV in 2027 that will play a similar role in the lineup — though not necessarily at the same price as the EX30.
“It’s pretty similar, I’d say,” Rezende said of the mystery EV’s price comparison to the EX30. “It’s going to be an EV that brings a lot of good things to a big place, but it’s also going to be fun to drive, I can promise you that.”
Other than that, details were scarce. Volvo executives have spoken recently of a desire to build a large, family-oriented SUV at its factory in Charleston, South Carolina — though that car may use a “more fuel-efficient” strategy rather than being purely electric since launch.
The EX60, which will begin deliveries to US customers this summer, is Volvo’s attempt to reset in the US. The compact SUV, built on a different design than the EX30, will start at $59,795 for the entry-level P6 Plus version, and go up to $68,745 for the more powerful P10 AWD Ultra variant.
Volvo is the latest automaker to try, and stumble, in its efforts to build an affordable EV for the desirable and profitable US market. So far, few have rolled it out, as it requires a certain level of scale, direct integration, and supply chain capabilities that only Chinese companies seem to have really nailed down. Yes, Volvo is owned by China’s Geely, but the company’s desire to sell EVs in North America will require a different approach to affordability.
Accessibility was one of the main selling points of the EX30. When it was first announced for 2023, Volvo said pricing would start at $34,950, positioning it as the small, affordable EV that many people have been clamoring for. But after Donald Trump’s election, Volvo was forced to delay the arrival of the EX30 in the US until 2025, citing tariffs recently imposed on cars built in China. Finally, the model sold in the US started at $44,900, about $10,000 more than the original price.
Then in February, there was more bad news as Volvo pulled the plug on the EX30 because the car’s batteries were at risk of overheating or catching fire. The following month, Volvo pulled the plug on the car in the US.
Correction on May 18th: An earlier version of this story said the EX60 was the only Volvo EV in the US. EX90 is also available.
