Volvo has begun manufacturing its all-electric EX30 SUV at the Ghent facility in Belgium, marking a milestone in its electrification strategy. The initiative seeks to address the rising demand for electric vehicles across Europe while also reducing the effects of tariffs on vehicles produced in China.
The compact SUV was initially manufactured exclusively in Zhangjiakou, China, and distributed globally. In October 2023, Volvo chose to expand production capacity in the Europe following the European Union’s imposition of punitive tariffs on Chinese-manufactured EVs, including the Volvo crossover, last year.
The Ghent factory underwent a significant transformation to support production, converting a 40,000-square-meter warehouse into a cutting-edge assembly line with 580 robots. The upgrade was made possible through an investment exceeding €200 million, including €3 million from the Flemish government.
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Alongside assembling the EX30, the facility manufactures essential components such as batteries and door finishings, streamlining the supply chain and reducing the vehicle’s environmental impact. Moreover, it is advancing toward climate-neutral operations, utilizing biogas and electrified ovens in the paint shop to minimize carbon footprint.
The EX30, Volvo’s most affordable electric car, has quickly become one of its best-selling models. It ranked as the 13th best-selling electric vehicle in Europe during the first quarter of 2025. Built on the Geely SEA platform, the EX30 represents a shift from Volvo’s earlier Ghent production, which focused on vehicles using the CMA and SPA platforms.
According to Volvo, introducing the EX30 to its Ghent plant is expected to generate approximately 350 new job opportunities. As a major contributor to the Belgian economy, Volvo Car Belgium generated nearly €8 billion in revenue in 2023, with the Ghent facility producing 230,527 vehicles that year. The factory also manufactures electric EC40 and EX40 models alongside the hybrid XC40 and V60 vehicles.
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