Volvo is claiming that its entry-level fully electric EX30, set to launch on 7 June, will have a smaller CO2 footprint than any Volvo car ever before.
By tackling emissions across the entire production and lifecycle of the Volvo EX30, Volvo says that it has managed to reduce its total carbon footprint over 200,000km of driving to below 30 tonnes.
This will mark a 25 per cent reduction compared with other full electrics in Volvo’s line-up, like the C40 and XC40 models, as the Swedish company works towards its aim to cut its overall CO2 emissions per car by 40 per cent between 2018 and 2025.
While the EX30 doesn’t have any tailpipe emissions, the manufacturer has also worked hard to reduce the overall carbon footprint, in its design, development, manufacturing and transport processes.
> Volvo to reveal entry-level electric EX30 in June
Anders Kärrberg, Volvo’s Global Head of Sustainability said: “Our new EX30 is a big step in the right direction for our sustainability ambition. By 2025, we aim to reduce our overall CO2 emissions per car by 40 per cent from 2018 levels through a 50 per cent reduction in overall tailpipe emissions, and a 25 per cent reduction in emissions from our operations, raw material sourcing and supply chain — all on the way towards our ambition of being a climate-neutral company by 2040.”
We reported in May that Volvo was aiming to entice first-time buyers and the younger audience with its latest offering, with Volvo boss Jim Rowan saying, “Gen Z — 18-, 19-year-olds — is our next market. We don’t talk to Gen Z right now, the brand has never really spoken to that younger demographic. We are absolutely heading in that direction.”
Volvo said that it’s using less steel and aluminium when building the new small SUV. Around a quarter of all aluminium used in building the car is recycled, as is approximately 17 per cent of all steel used in producing a Volvo EX30, further reducing the environmental impact of those materials.
It’s also continuing the sustainable approach inside. By using optimisation as a guiding sustainable design principle, Volvo’s designers have combined multiple functions inside the Volvo EX30 within one component, reducing the number of parts needed inside without compromising on functionality.
> Kia releases “10 must-have sustainability items” with new EV9
For seats, dashboard and doors, a wide array of recycled materials including denim, flax and a wool blend that also contains around 70 per cent recycled polyester. About 17 per cent of all plastics in the car, from interior components to exterior bumpers, are also recycled – the highest percentage in any Volvo car to date.
Another crucial area for emission reduction is the manufacturing and supply chain, for example through the supply of clean energy. The Volvo EX30 will be built in a factory powered by high levels of climate-neutral energy, including 100 per cent climate-neutral electricity.
Last week, we reported that Kia is also incorporating sustainable and recycled items in its latest all-electric offering EV9. The company said each of its flagship models will have at least 70 recycled plastic bottles, while also using innovative materials like bioplastics and bio PU for its interiors.
Volvo’s EX30 will be available to order or pre-order in selected markets from next week, but will face stiff competition in the compact, two-row electric SUVs which are currently dominating the market — Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 to name a few, with more models like Chevy Equinox and Blazer EVs, Polestar 3, and Honda Prologue also launching soon.
