GOTHENBURG: Volvo announced on Tuesday that its smallest electric SUV - the EX30 - will have its world premiere on June 7.
On the same date, it will also become available to order or pre-order in selected markets.
But to Volvo's dismay, someone had recently leaked online patent images showing the SUV's exterior.
The front indicates the EX30 looks like a mini EX90 but its shorter wheelbase has given the smaller SUV a marked different design when viewed sideways. Meanwhile, taillights look similar to those in the bigger SUV but has some styling tweaks to set them apart.
As its numbering suggests, the EX30 is positioned below the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge.
The EX30 is expected to launch in a choice of rear-wheel drive (single motor) and all-wheel drive (second motor in front).
With Volvo sharing technologies and parts with parent Geely and affiliated brands in the family, it won't come as a surprise if the EX30 uses Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform on which the Smart #1 and a small Polestar SUV are based on.
The SEA, introduced in 2020 as an EV-focused platform, is able to accommodate smaller to larger passenger vehicles as well as light commercial vehicles, according to Geely.
With the EX90 and EX30 in hand, Volvo would cover both the top end of the premium electric market as well as the entry level premium segment.
Together, they would complement the existing line-up of the fully electric XC40 and C40. This sets the company up for a future with strong growth and improved profitability on fully electric cars.
The EX30's world premiere would be streamed live at 13:30 CEST (7.30pm in Malaysia) on June 7.
