Volvo is accelerating its U.S. launch of the EX30 electric SUV, bringing forward deliveries to before the end of 2024. This decision comes after the company faced a delay last year due to tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. Production is now shifting to Belgium to ensure American customers can enjoy the compact, high-performance EV.
The week ending September 6th saw a downturn in the electric vehicle (EV) market, mirroring the broader economic uncertainty. While Tesla’s FSD development and Nio’s strong Q2 performance provided some bright spots, Volvo’s scaling back of its EV ambitions highlights the evolving landscape of the EV industry.
Volvo Cars is deepening its partnership with Nvidia to enhance its autonomous driving capabilities. The new Volvo EX90 is the first model to utilize Nvidia’s DRIVE Orin system for its software-defined architecture, offering powerful AI processing. Volvo plans to further leverage Nvidia’s DRIVE Thor platform, featuring a four-fold performance increase, for future vehicles.
The Volvo XC90, the Swedish automaker’s flagship SUV, receives a mid-cycle refresh for the 2025 model year. While it retains its core design and platform, the XC90 boasts updated styling, a larger touchscreen with a new interface, and continued reliance on plug-in hybrid technology. Volvo’s strategy emphasizes the importance of plug-in hybrids as a bridge towards its all-electric future, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and electric range.
The Volvo EX90 is a handsome and capable electric SUV that boasts a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a quiet cabin. However, its rollout has been plagued by software issues, delaying its release and leaving some features unavailable at launch. Despite this, the EX90’s driving experience is enjoyable, making it a strong contender in the competitive luxury EV market.
The Volvo EX90, a large electric SUV, is set to arrive in 2025, boasting a Scandinavian design, high-tech features, and a range of up to 300 miles. While some features might be delayed, the EX90 promises a compelling alternative to other luxury electric SUVs like the Rivian R1S.
Major European automakers, including Volvo, are contemplating relocating their electric vehicle (EV) production facilities from China to neighboring countries like Indonesia, India, and even Europe. This strategic shift is primarily driven by the anticipation of tariffs imposed by the European Union on vehicles imported from China. Volvo’s decision to move the production of its Chinese-made EVs to Belgium underscores the potential impact of these tariffs and the broader challenges facing the global automotive industry.
A made-in-China electric vehicle, the EX30 from Volvo, is set to hit U.S. dealers this summer, offering power and efficiency comparable to the Tesla Model Y but at a significantly lower price point of $35,000. Volvo’s competitive pricing stems from cost advantages associated with Geely’s supply chain integration and Volvo’s ability to skirt U.S. tariffs due to its U.S. manufacturing operations. The EX30’s arrival underscores the growing threat Chinese EV manufacturers pose to U.S. automakers due to their dominance in battery mineral mining, government subsidies, and cost-effective production strategies. Despite its aggressive pricing, Volvo aims to maintain healthy profit margins on the EX30. The Chinese EV market is highly competitive, with dozens of domestic brands vying for market share. Leading EV makers like BYD are now exporting vehicles to less competitive overseas markets to capture higher profits. The EX30 will face a 27.5% tariff when it enters the U.S., but Volvo is eligible for tariff refunds under a law that grants relief to companies with U.S. manufacturing operations that export similar products. The U.S. government does not disclose details of individual companies’ tariff refunds. The EX30 could become even more affordable if Volvo and its dealers utilize a leasing loophole in the Inflation Reduction Act, which allows leased EVs to qualify for a $7,500 subsidy with no restrictions on China-made components. This would effectively reduce the EX30’s price to $27,500, a compelling offer for a five-seater electric SUV with a 275-mile driving range and a five-second 0-60 mph time. U.S. automakers are expressing concerns about the potential impact of low-cost Chinese EV imports, with some industry groups warning of an “extinction-level event” for domestic manufacturers. The Alliance for American Manufacturing has also raised concerns about Chinese manufacturers circumventing U.S. tariffs by establishing plants in Mexico. Some politicians, such as Senator Josh Hawley, are calling for higher trade barriers to protect American workers.
Swedish automaker Volvo Cars has reported an 8% increase in core operating profits for the first quarter of 2024, attributed to strong retail sales. Despite a slight dip in revenue, retail sales surged by 12%, reaching a record high in March. The company’s strong performance in the first quarter sets a positive foundation for the upcoming year.
