Volvo Cars announced on Monday that it will postpone the launch of its EX30 electric vehicle in the United States until 2025 as it boosts production capabilities at its facility in Belgium.
The EX30, Volvo’s smallest and most affordable EV, began production in China last fall and quickly became a top seller in Europe. Global sales reached 14,500 units in the first quarter of 2024, approaching the figures of its larger sibling, the EX40, which recorded 17,400 units sold during the same period.
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Initially slated for a US launch by the end of this year, Volvo informed retailers and pre-order customers that the EX30’s arrival will now be delayed, setting a new target delivery date for 2025. According to Volvo, this decision is attributed to recent shifts in the global automotive landscape.
The delay coincides with recent trade developments, including President Biden’s announcement of a 100% tariff on Chinese EV imports, aimed at protecting American workers from what the administration describes as unfair trade practices. The European Union has also indicated plans for additional tariffs on Chinese EV imports, affecting Volvo’s parent company, Geely.
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Bjorn Annwall, Volvo’s deputy CEO, expressed disappointment with the tariffs, emphasizing Volvo’s commitment to open and fair trade. “Anything that impedes this principle is concerning,” Annwall remarked.
To address the US market demand, Volvo plans to manufacture the EX30 at its Ghent plant in Belgium starting in 2025. The model, priced at $34,950 in the US, positions itself as a competitively priced option in the EV market. It offers both Single Motor and Twin Motor Performance variants, boasting ranges of up to 275 miles and 265 miles, respectively.
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Despite the delay, Volvo assures prospective customers that the EX30 will continue to feature advanced safety and technology features synonymous with the brand, including built-in Google and support for Apple CarPlay.