Volvo is stepping boldly into the future with its announcement of the EX60 electric compact crossover, set to hit the roads in 2026. This is not just another vehicle in their lineup; it’s the first model to be built on Volvo’s cutting-edge SPA3 platform, which represents a significant leap forward in electric vehicle design and technology.
The excitement really ramps up with the recent launch video for the ES90 electric hatchback, which features a tantalizing glimpse of the EX60. If you tune in and skip ahead to the 24:55 mark, you’ll catch a glimpse of this new model in the form of a sleek clay prototype—giving us a taste of what’s to come.
Volvo, a brand synonymous with innovation and safety, first confirmed the EX60 during its financial results announcement in February. They were quite clear that this crossover isn’t just a concept; prototype testing is already in full swing, and it’s designed to be a cornerstone of their future electric vehicle strategy.
The EX60 is built on the new SPA3 platform that promises to offer enhanced capabilities over its predecessor, the SPA2—debuted last year in models like the EX90 and utilized in the Polestar 3. What’s particularly noteworthy is how the SPA3 is designed for scalability; it accommodates everything from compact models like the EX60 to full-size vehicles. This adaptability is crucial as it allows Volvo to cater to diverse customer needs while staying at the forefront of EV technology.
One of the most exciting innovations set to feature in the SPA3 is the introduction of “mega casting.” This production technique aims to simplify manufacturing by replacing multiple body parts with a single cast component. Not only does this method reduce vehicle weight, translating to better efficiency and performance, but it also streamlines production—something Volvo is pioneering at its Torslanda plant in Sweden.
The mention of the Torslanda plant brings up an interesting facet of Volvo’s strategy. As the production site for SPA3 vehicles, including the EX60, it will play a pivotal role in Volvo’s push towards electric mobility. In fact, the plant now produces the XC60, which has recently received a refresh to keep it competitive with upcoming electric models.
It’s important to note that despite the rollout of the EX60, Volvo isn’t abandoning its current gas and plug-in hybrid offerings. The XC60 isn’t going anywhere anytime soon; it’s just been updated with new features and tech to ensure it remains appealing in a market that’s rapidly shifting toward electric. In a surprising turn, Volvo has also reassessed its previous commitment to exclusively sell EVs by 2030, now indicating that they will still support gas and plug-in hybrid vehicles even as they push for more electrification.
If you’re a fan of Volvo or simply an EV enthusiast, the reveal of the EX60 marks a thrilling development. It embodies both the brand’s rich heritage in safety and quality and its ambitious vision for a sustainable future. As Volvo continues to innovate, it’s clear they are not just following trends—they’re setting them, improving how we think about electric mobility in the process.
Image Source: volvocars.com
