The compact electric SUV has already hit the 100,000-unit production milestone highlighting its success
While the U.S. awaits the Europe-built Volvo EX30, Canada is already selling the Swedish EV. Understandably, this might seem confusing for some since we know that the U.S. and Canada have announced 100% tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. Even though Volvo’s plans of launching the EX30 in North America were concrete prior to this announcement, now the customers have to wait until Volvo commences making the electric SUV in Ghent, Belgium. That would happen sometime next year. So, how has Volvo bypassed the tariffs to sell its Chinese-made EVs in Canada? Let us find out!
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Volvo EX30 on Sale in Canada
The first lot of the Volvo EX30 electric SUVs had already reached Canada some time ago. However, the policy to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs was implemented for cars which will be imported to Canada from October 1, 2024, onwards. Furthermore, these EVs won’t be able to avail the government’s incentives. However, there is no such restriction on the EVs already imported to Canada prior to October 1. As a result, the buyers have started getting their first taste of the Swedish EV.
As per the Volvo Cars’ Canadian website, the base Core Volvo EX30 with a single motor is available at $56,438 CAD. This amount even includes the destination and delivery fees. While this is not exactly cheap, one could argue that it is a reasonable price point. However, you must understand that once this stock is sold, future buyers will need to wait until the Europe-built model is introduced in North America.
Note that the Volvo EX30 utilizes Geely’s SEA platform. In the international market, it is available in two configurations – a single-motor RWD and a dual-motor AWD. These draw power from a 49 kWh (LFP) or a 64 kWh (NMC) battery pack, respectively. The power outputs range from 272 hp to a healthy 428 hp. Volvo claims range figures of 214 mi (344 km) and 298 mi (480 km), respectively.
The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 kmph) in the RWD version takes just 5.7 seconds, while the more powerful iteration does the job in a rather impressive 3.4 seconds. With the latter, the Volvo EX30 becomes the fastest-accelerating Volvo ever. It will be interesting to see if the Europe-made EX30 will carry the same specifications or if there will be any updates.
| Volvo EX30 | Specs |
| Battery (usable) | 49 & 64 kWh |
| Platform | Geely’s SEA |
| Drivetrain | RWD / AWD |
| Range (WLTP) | 214 mi – 298 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 344 km – 480 km |
| Power | 272 – 428 hp |
| DC Rapid Charging | 26.5 mins (10-80%) |
| Acceleration (0-96 km/h) | 5.7 secs – 3.4 secs |
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Learn Electric Cars Says
It is fascinating to see how the Chinese-owned Swedish car marque has been able to make use of a loophole in the policy. This will give them an opportunity to test the waters. Also, it can gauge the customers’ response and plan the next strategy accordingly. We shall now wait and see how the owners like the compact electric SUV. I shall update further developments in this case as they emerge.