Volvo Cars starts production of EX30 in Europe

Published on 25 April, 2025

Volvo has begun European production of its popular EX30 electric SUV at its Ghent plan

Overview

Volvo Cars has officially begun production of its fully electric EX30 small SUV at its manufacturing facility in Ghent, Belgium. The milestone marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to localize production of its most popular electric vehicles and respond more effectively to European demand.

First unveiled in late 2023, the EX30 has quickly become one of Europe’s best-selling electric vehicles in 2024. With the addition of EX30 production in Ghent, Volvo is expanding capacity for the model beyond its original manufacturing site in China, diversifying its global production footprint.

The decision to bring EX30 manufacturing to Belgium was first announced in late 2023. To support this transition, Volvo invested approximately €200 million in upgrades to the Ghent facility. The investment included the implementation of a new car platform, nearly 600 new or upgraded robots, an extended battery hall, a new door production line, and a new battery pack assembly line.

This expansion will result in the creation of around 350 new jobs, increasing total employment at the Ghent plant to nearly 6,600 people. The site will also begin production of the EX30 Cross Country variant later in 2025.

Volvo Cars’ Chief Manufacturing and Supply Chain Officer, Francesca Gamboni, emphasised the importance of the EX30 in the company’s European strategy:
"The EX30 is crucial for us as we continue to strengthen our position in the premium EV market in Europe. Investing in European production allows us to build cars closer to where they are sold, increasing agility and sustainability."

Plant manager Stefan Fesser highlighted the rapid timeline in preparing for EX30 production, stating that the industrialisation process was completed in record time thanks to collaboration and innovation at the Ghent facility.

The Ghent plant, operational since 1965, is Volvo’s longest-running car factory outside of Sweden and one of just two full production sites in Europe, the other being in Torslanda. A third is currently under construction in Slovakia. Ghent already manufactures several electrified Volvo models, including the fully electric EX40 and EC40, and hybrid versions of the XC40 and V60. In 2024, the plant produced more than 186,000 cars.

The EX30’s European production also aligns with broader EU goals around sustainable industry and job creation, positioning Volvo as a key player in the region’s electric transition.

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives