Volvo is going where most other premium automakers aren't.
Volvo has teased its upcoming small electric SUV, the EX30, ahead of the model's global debut on June 7. The EX30's petite size and positioning in the market are refreshing, especially with Americans' obsession with larger SUVs like the Volvo EX90.
In the cheeky teaser, Volvo doesn't try to hide the fact that this is a small vehicle, with the tagline reading “We've got some small news” before the video spot says: “Something small is coming.”
Just how small the EX30 will be is unknown, since Volvo already sells the XC40 Recharge in the USA, and that falls into the subcompact segment. The EX30 will likely be classified as a subcompact model as well, while probably being a bit smaller than the XC40.
In a separate teaser and appropriately small release shared on the Volvo Cars North American media site, Volvo says that the EX30 “will also become available to reserve in the US.”
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This is exciting news for people who want to make the jump to an EV but are put off by most electric vehicles occupying upper segments and consequently being priced out of reach. Even the XC40 Recharge begins at well over $50,000.
If the EX30 is smaller as its name suggests and Volvo can get the price close to $40,000, it would be unique among premium brands to have an EV that costs that little in the USA. BMW chose not to sell the iX1 here, the cheapest Mercedes EV is the EQB at $52,750, and the Audi Q4 e-tron also starts at around $50k.
Based on the few shadowy shots in the teaser video, the EX30 will have a more upright, traditional SUV design than the coupe-like C40 Recharge. That should help to free up more space for cargo and rear-seat passengers, especially since the car is going to be quite small to begin with.
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The EX30 will also come with some attractive exterior lighting (with rear lights high up alongside the back window like the EX90), and the one shot of the cabin shows classy leather-like upholstery with a small Swedish flag stitched into it.
Late last year, Volvo said that the EX30 is the vehicle that will help it boost sales and appeal to a much younger clientele. To successfully do this, the vehicle will have to be affordable enough, which means it will probably have smaller batteries and a shorter range than other electrified Volvos. But for darting around the city, it should be perfect.
It's also been reported that the EX30 will be based around a subscription model, another attempt at connecting with a younger audience.
As other premium automakers shun smaller segments for EVs, Volvo could be in a great position to emerge as a leader in this space.
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Keyword: TEASED: Volvo EX30 Will Be A Smaller, Cheaper EV For Younger Americans