Volvo’s highly anticipated electric SUV, the EX30, is experiencing a delay in its launch in China, with the expected rollout now pushed back to 2024. Originally slated to hit the Chinese market by the end of this year, the electric vehicle (EV) will now open orders in January, leading to a shift in its anticipated delivery timeline.
The postponement has prompted the removal of the EX30 from consideration in the North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) awards. Reservations for the compact electric crossover are now expected to commence after the new year, causing it to miss the NACTOY submission deadline.
NACTOY president Jeff Gilbert acknowledged the delay, stating that the first customer deliveries may extend well into 2024, possibly reaching the summer months. The EX30, initially a finalist for the 2024 Utility of the Year award, will be replaced in the competition by the Hyundai Kona electric.
Volvo Car USA spokesperson Rusell Datz affirmed that EX30 deliveries in the United States remain on track, with the first units expected to reach customers in the summer, aligning with the brand’s previous timeline. Despite the delay in China, the company aims for a seamless rollout in the US market.
Volvo had commenced EX30 production in the third quarter, and initial deliveries in China were anticipated in the fourth quarter of this year. However, the recent adjustment in the launch schedule has prompted transparency measures, as the company aims to manage expectations and communicate any shifts in timelines effectively.
Earlier reports indicated that Volvo sold the first 33 EX30 models in November, likely comprising wholesale units to dealers or serving as test models. The electric SUV, positioned as a cornerstone of Volvo’s EV strategy, offers an attractive entry point into the electric vehicle market with a starting price of $34,950 (excluding $1,195 shipping) in the United States.
The EX30 will feature two powertrain options, providing up to 275 miles of range in the Single Motor Extended Range variant. Additionally, the Twin Motor Performance variant, priced at $44,900, is set to become Volvo’s quickest vehicle, achieving a remarkable 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.4 seconds.
As Volvo navigates the evolving landscape of electric mobility, the delayed launch in China underscores the complexities and adjustments inherent in the global rollout of cutting-edge electric vehicles.
