Volvo Begins US Push for its Entry-Level BEV

Volvo’s new entry-level compact all-electric SUV has made its North American debut in New York ahead of an anticipated aggressive marketing campaign.

The automaker is hoping the Volvo EX30 is heading to be its biggest volume vehicle combining Swedish brand’s Scandinavian design principles, commitments to sustainability and safety in an affordable package. Pitching in at just $34,950 (MSRP), the model is on the cheaper end of the Volvo range and about the same price as an internal combustion engine-powered equivalent.

Revealed in Milan last month, the EX30 is designed to have the smallest CO2 footprint of any Volvo car to date and comes in two powertrain options. For maximum range, the Single Motor Extended Range rear wheel drive variant claims an estimated range of 275 miles between charges. For more performance, there is the Twin Motor Performance variant with an additional e-motor on the front axle. This all-wheel drive variant claims 419bhp with a 0-60mph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds – the fastest-accelerating Volvo car ever made.

Attendees the New York event had the opportunity to walk the Volvo Mobile Studio’s three interior lounge areas, listen to high fidelity music from a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and learn about electric vehicle technology. After the experience they could enjoy a cup of fresh ground coffee from the attached Volvo Mobile Café. The studio is currently set to showcase the EX30, EX90 three row SUV and other electrified Volvo vehicles at Electrify Expo, North America's largest electric vehicle festival, through November 2023.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_  and Threads