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

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.

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.”

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Volvo's smallest SUV and most affordable EV starts below $60,000 and comes in a choice of three variants