Volvo claims that its upcoming electric SUV, the EX30, will have the lowest carbon footprint of any of its production models to date. Set to debut on June 7, with orders and pre-orders available in some markets on the same date, the EX30 is expected to represent a 25% reduction in carbon emissions over the life cycle compared to the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge electric vehicles, featuring improved efficiency for the 2024 model year.
While electric vehicles have zero “tailpipe” emissions, they are still responsible for emissions from other sources, such as production and the grid electricity used for charging. Volvo aims to address the former by analyzing material usage. As the smallest vehicle in Volvo’s lineup, the EX30 will use less steel and aluminum in its construction, significantly reducing emissions associated with production. Much of the metal used will also be recycled, including about a quarter of the aluminum and 17% of the steel.
Additionally, 17% of the EX30’s plastic, from interior components to bumpers, is recycled. Volvo states that this is the highest amount of recycled plastic in any of its production cars to date. Sustainable materials, including linen, a blend of wool with 70% recycled polyester, and denim trims made from recycled jeans, are also used in the interior.
Volvo is also addressing energy usage in the production process. The EX30 will be built in a factory powered by “high levels of climate-neutral energy, including 100% climate-neutral electricity.” Volvo has also secured commitments from 95% of its level 1 suppliers (those supplying components directly to a vehicle manufacturer) for the EX30 to use 100% renewable energy by 2025.
The production process itself has been simplified to maximize material usage, and at the end of its life cycle, the EX30 is designed to be 95% recyclable.
While detailed specifications will be revealed at the EX30’s unveiling next month, Volvo has indicated that there will be two battery options: a 51 kWh iron phosphate and lithium pack and a 69 kWh nickel manganese cobalt pack. It remains unclear whether both will be offered in the U.S.
These efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the EX30 align with Volvo’s broader goal of a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025 compared to 2018 levels. The automaker is on track to manufacture only fully electric models by 2030. While all models in Volvo’s U.S. lineup now feature some degree of electrification, mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids constitute the majority.
