Volvo Cars has begun producing its fully electric EX30 model at its Ghent factory in Belgium, expanding its European production capacity for the compact SUV. Previously manufactured exclusively in China, the EX30 will now be assembled at the Belgium facility to support growing demand across the region.
The plant, located near the port city of Ghent, is Volvo’s largest European production site alongside its facility in Torslanda, Sweden. In 2024, the Ghent plant produced over 186,000 vehicles, including fully electric models such as the EX40 and EC40.
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The company also plans to begin production of the EX30 Cross Country at the site in late 2025, and there is speculation that the larger EX90 could be added in the future.
Volvo said the addition of the EX30 will result in approximately 350 new jobs. To accommodate the shift, the factory underwent a significant upgrade to integrate Geely’s SEA platform—previously unutilized at the site—replacing or introducing 600 robots, expanding the battery hall, and adding new lines for door production and battery pack assembly.
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The decision to localize production was made in October 2023, shortly before the European Union introduced tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles in 2024. Volvo has invested an estimated €200 million in the Ghent site in recent years, including the establishment of a battery assembly plant in 2022.
“The EX30 is crucial for us as we continue to strengthen our position in the premium EV market in Europe,” said Francesca Gamboni, chief manufacturing and supply chain officer for Volvo Cars. “Investing in the European production of the EX30 in Ghent perfectly aligns with our long-held strategy to build our cars where they sell best.”
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Plant manager Stefan Fesser noted the accelerated timeline for bringing the EX30 to Ghent, stating: “We were able to industrialise the new model in record time. Thanks to the engagement and collaboration of the entire Ghent team, we cut the industrialisation time in half.”
The EX30 is currently Volvo’s most affordable electric vehicle and one of its best-selling models globally.