Volvo Doubles Down on EVs as 2027 Volvo EX60 Leads the Brand’s Next Electric Chapter
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Volvo Is Moving Faster on EVs While Others Slow Down
Many automakers have recently adjusted their electric vehicle plans. Several brands are investing more heavily in hybrids and extending the life of gasoline powered models. Volvo, however, is heading in the opposite direction.
The Swedish automaker believes the future remains electric, and the all new 2027 Volvo EX60 is only the first step in a much larger plan.
Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson says the company needs more vehicles in its lineup, particularly electric ones. While some manufacturers are taking a cautious approach toward EV adoption, Volvo wants to be ready for a fully electric future before the end of the decade.
2027 Volvo EX60 Starts a New Generation for Volvo
The 2027 Volvo EX60 has already entered production in Sweden and introduces Volvo’s new SPA3 platform.
This architecture will support future electric models and allow Volvo to build software defined vehicles that can receive regular over the air updates. Instead of remaining unchanged after purchase, future Volvo vehicles will continue evolving through software improvements.
According to Samuelsson, Volvo plans to focus its investments on:
| Volvo EV Priorities | Details |
|---|---|
| New EV Models | Expansion of the electric lineup |
| SPA3 Architecture | Flexible platform for future EVs |
| Software-Defined Vehicles | Continuous updates and improvements |
| Electrification | Long-term transition toward an all-electric portfolio |
Volvo believes moving faster toward electrification is essential, especially for a smaller premium automaker competing against much larger rivals.
Volvo Still Sees a Role for Hybrids
While Volvo remains committed to EVs, the company acknowledges that not every market is ready for fully electric vehicles.
To bridge the gap, Volvo plans to develop next generation hybrid technology together with parent company Geely. Sharing technology and development costs will allow Volvo to remain competitive while continuing its transition toward electrification.
The strategy is simple. Build more EVs where demand exists while offering hybrid options in markets that still need them.
What Happens to the Volvo XC40?
One of Volvo’s oldest and most successful models, the XC40, is not going anywhere soon.
The compact SUV has received an extended model year and will remain in production through late 2026 before receiving updates. Volvo has no plans to discontinue the model.
That decision makes sense. The XC40 remains an important product for the brand and continues to attract buyers looking for a premium compact SUV.
Volvo EX30 Faces Challenges in the United States
The story is different for the Volvo EX30.
The small electric crossover faced multiple challenges in the United States. Software delays postponed its launch, while tariffs and the loss of EV tax incentives increased its price significantly.
As a result, the EX30 lost much of its affordability advantage, making it harder to compete in the market. Volvo has already discontinued the EX30 in the U.S. after the 2026 model year.
Instead, Volvo believes larger EVs such as the EX60 and EX90 are better suited for American buyers.
Volvo Says EX90 Software Problems Have Improved
The Volvo EX90 experienced a difficult launch due to software related issues.
Samuelsson says many of those problems have now been resolved and the vehicle meets the quality standards Volvo originally intended. However, some early vehicles continue to experience minor issues as software updates are rolled out.
The company remains confident that the EX90 will play a key role in its electric future.
Will Volvo Build More Wagons?
Volvo has built its reputation on wagons, but SUVs currently dominate its lineup.
That could change in the future.
Samuelsson says he would not rule out lower riding vehicles returning to the lineup. He pointed to the EX60’s lower profile compared to traditional SUVs and suggested that customer preferences could evolve over the next decade.
With SUVs accounting for most sales today, Volvo remains cautious, but the door is not closed on future wagon inspired models.
No Plans for the Volvo EM90 Minivan in America
The luxury Volvo EM90 minivan currently remains focused on China.
While competitors such as Mercedes Benz are exploring premium van segments in other markets, Volvo has no immediate plans to bring the EM90 to the United States.
The company says it will continue monitoring market demand before making any decisions.
Volvo Expands Local Production Strategy
Volvo also believes regional manufacturing will become increasingly important.
To support future growth in North America, the company plans to produce the EX60 at its Charleston, South Carolina facility.
According to Volvo leadership, the automotive industry is becoming more regional rather than fully global. Different markets now require different products, software solutions, and powertrain strategies.
Volvo’s Regional Approach
- China focuses on locally developed vehicles and software
- Europe continues accelerating EV adoption
- North America still requires hybrids and traditional vehicles alongside EVs
- Shared technology and components help reduce development costs globally
This strategy allows Volvo to adapt products for each market while keeping engineering expenses under control.
Volvo Wants More Growth Beyond Europe
Volvo also sees opportunities in Japan and other international markets.
The company believes the new EX60 can help strengthen its position in regions where it currently has a smaller market presence.
Expanding globally while maintaining a focused product strategy remains a major priority.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 Volvo EX60 represents much more than a new electric SUV. It marks the beginning of Volvo’s next generation EV strategy.
While many automakers are slowing their electric vehicle ambitions, Volvo continues pushing forward. The company plans to expand its EV lineup, invest heavily in software defined vehicles, and use the new SPA3 platform as the foundation for future products.
At the same time, Volvo recognizes that hybrids still have an important role in several markets.
For now, the EX60 appears to be the clearest sign yet that Volvo remains committed to an electric future, even as much of the industry takes a more cautious approach.
Sources and References
Official Volvo Sources
- Volvo EX60 (U.S.) Official Page
Official U.S. page for the 2027 Volvo EX60, including features, technology, safety, and availability information. - Volvo Cars U.S. Media Room – EX60 Press Release
Official Volvo press release covering the EX60, SPA3 platform, range, and charging details. - Volvo Cars Global Media – EX60 Reveal
Volvo’s official global announcement introducing the EX60 and its new SPA3 architecture. - Volvo Cars Canada – EX60 Official Page
Official Canadian EX60 product page with specifications and technology information. - Volvo EX60 Technology & Features (U.S.)
Detailed information about infotainment, Google integration, software updates, and safety systems.
Trusted Automotive Publications
- Car and Driver – 2027 Volvo EX60 Review & Specs
Independent review covering performance, pricing expectations, and market positioning. - Car and Driver – EX60 First Teaser Report
Early coverage of the EX60 and Volvo’s new SPA3 platform. - What Car? Volvo EX60 Review
Independent analysis of practicality, cargo space, and ownership considerations. - Automotive Manufacturing Solutions – EX60 Production & SPA3 Platform
Technical insight into Volvo’s manufacturing strategy and SPA3 architecture. - Electrive – Volvo Starts EX60 Production
Covers production launch, charging technology, and EV platform details.
Background Reference
- Volvo Corporate Website
Official Volvo corporate information, sustainability initiatives, and company background.
2027 Volvo EX60 and Volvo’s EV Strategy
Is Volvo really moving faster toward EVs?
Yes. Volvo says it wants to speed up electrification instead of slowing down. The brand believes its future is electric and wants to be ready for a fully electric lineup before the end of the decade.
What is the 2027 Volvo EX60?
The 2027 Volvo EX60 is Volvo’s new electric midsize SUV and the next big step in its EV strategy. It is also the model that introduces Volvo’s new SPA3 architecture.
Why is the SPA3 platform important for Volvo?
SPA3 will support future electric models and software defined vehicles. That means Volvo can keep improving its vehicles through over the air updates instead of leaving them unchanged after delivery.
Will Volvo still make hybrids?
Yes. Volvo says not every market is ready for pure EVs, so it plans to work on next generation hybrids with Geely. The idea is to sell EVs where demand is strong and hybrids where buyers still need them.
What happened to the Volvo EX30 in the U.S.?
The EX30 faced software delays, tariffs, and the loss of tax incentives in the U.S., which pushed its price up. Volvo has already discontinued the EX30 in the U.S. after the 2026 model year.
Will the Volvo XC40 be discontinued soon?
No. Volvo says the XC40 will stay in production through late 2026 before it gets updated. The company has no plans to discontinue it.
Will Volvo build the EX60 in the United States?
Yes. Volvo plans to produce the EX60 at its Charleston, South Carolina plant, which fits the brand’s regional manufacturing strategy for North America.
Is Volvo bringing the EM90 minivan to the U.S.?
Not right now. Volvo says the EM90 is mainly for China and has no immediate U.S. launch plan.
Could Volvo bring back wagons in the future?
Volvo has not ruled it out. The company says it could consider lower riding models again, especially if customer tastes shift away from SUVs over time.
