Volvo focused on $60-90K space as it turns down cheaper EX30 model

Volvo Australia says it is not currently looking to offer models priced much below $60,000, confirming it had no plans to introduce the most affordable EX30 available in other markets.

The Swedish car maker has just launched the EX30 compact electric SUV in Australia. It’s priced from $59,990 with all three models in the range using a 64kWh battery.

A 51kWh EX30 is offered in the UK and Europe, which would offer the potential for an entry model priced closer to $50,000.

In the UK, there’s about a $9000 difference between the 51kWh Single Motor Standard Range EX30 and the 64kWh Single Motor Extended Plus that starts the range in Australia.

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The cheaper 51kWh EX30 uses a more cost-effective lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery compared with the 64kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery used in other models.

The Standard Range has the same 200kW/343Nm outputs as the other single-motor EX30 models, though its 344km WLTP driving range is notably shorter than the other variants’ 480km.

Volvo Australia said it firstly wanted to avoid over-complicating the EX30 range, but it also believed the greatest market potential was found above $60,000.

“Between $60K and $90K is the biggest segment we’re seeing at the moment in terms of [sales] volume, and that bracket is where we’re sitting nicely with EX30 at the lower end, the XC40 electric [small SUV] in the mid range, and the C40 [XC40’s electric-only coupe twin) slightly above that.

“So think we’re hitting the segments well in terms of price point.”