Volvo begins production of the EX30 in Belgium

The first EX30 units are already rolling off the production line at the Volvo plant located in the Belgian town of Ghent. These facilities, situated on the outskirts of the city near the port, will from now on be responsible for meeting demand for this compact electric SUV in Europe. Until now, all EX30 units sold on the European market were imported from China.

Volvo also plans to start production of the Cross Country version of the EX30 at this same plant from the end of this year, thus expanding the range of versions available for this successful compact SUV.

According to local media, the start of EX30 production in Ghent has created around 350 new jobs, strengthening the region’s economy. Volvo currently has two production plants in Europe, this one in Ghent and another in Torslanda (Sweden). Throughout 2024, the Belgian plant’s assembly line produced more than 186,000 vehicles, including other electric models such as the EX40 and the EX40. In total, the two European plants assemble ten electrified models, including pure electrics and hybrids, and it is speculated that the EX90, the flagship of the Swedish brand, could soon also begin production in Ghent.

Starting EX30 production in Belgium is of great importance for Volvo, after the European Union imposed special tariffs on imports of electric vehicles from China. EX30 sales figures are currently quite high, which has made it one of the most popular models from the Swedish brand, but this is because it is its most affordable electric model.

Adaptation of the Ghent plant

As we have already mentioned on previous occasions here at HighMotor, the EX30 is based on Geely’s SEA platform. This has posed a significant challenge for Volvo, since until now all the models produced at the Belgian Ghent plant used the CMA or SPA platforms. The Swedish manufacturer has therefore been forced to make some modifications to the plant in order to start EX30 production, including the installation of 600 new robots, the expansion of the battery area, the creation of a new production line for doors, as well as for assembling battery packs.

“Producing the EX30 in Ghent is part of our strategy of manufacturing close to where we sell, optimising our global resilience and flexibility. Thanks to everyone’s commitment, we are integrating new technologies that allow us to respond swiftly to market demands.”

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadVolvo EX307 versions · from 39,050 €