Swedish popular automotive company Volvo Cars has officially started production of its fully electric SUV, the Volvo EX30 Electric SUV in the Belgium Plant. This bold decision marks a major milestone in the company’s ambitious shift towards electrification in the European market.
The production launch is more than just the rollout of a new vehicle — it’s a significant investment in Europe’s green future. Volvo confirmed that the addition of the EX30 to its Belgian plant will create 350 new jobs, strengthening both the local economy and the automaker’s footprint in the premium EV segment.
“The EX30 is crucial for us as we continue to strengthen our position in the premium EV market in Europe,” said Francesca Gamboni, Chief Manufacturing and Supply Chain Officer at Volvo Cars. “Investing in European production perfectly aligns with our strategy to build cars where we sell them.”
€200 Million Investment to Power the EX30 Electric SUV
To support EX30 production, Volvo invested approximately €200 million in modernizing the Ghent facility. The upgrades include:
- A brand-new vehicle platform
- Nearly 600 new or refurbished industrial robots
- An expanded battery hall
- A new door production line
- A dedicated battery pack assembly area
These cutting-edge enhancements not only increase capacity but also enable quicker adaptation to the rapidly evolving EV market.
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Fast-Tracked Production Timeline
What’s especially impressive is the speed at which Volvo brought the EX30 into production. After deciding in late 2023 to manufacture the model in Ghent, the company halved the standard industrialization timeline—a feat made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Ghent team.
“We’re proud to welcome the EX30 and demonstrate how technology and innovation allow us to respond quickly to market needs,” said Stefan Fesser, Plant Manager at Volvo’s Ghent facility.
Supporting Europe’s Green Agenda
Producing the EX30 in Europe aligns with the EU’s sustainability and competitiveness goals, reinforcing Volvo’s role as a leader in automotive innovation and clean mobility. The Ghent facility now produces multiple electric and hybrid models, including:
- EX40 (fully electric)
- EC40 (fully electric)
- XC40 (hybrid)
- V60 (hybrid)
- EX30 (fully electric)
- Coming soon: EX30 Cross Country
In 2024 alone, the Ghent plant rolled out approximately 186,000 vehicles, showcasing its role as a key pillar in Volvo’s European operations.
A Legacy of Innovation in Ghent
Established in 1965, the Ghent plant is located near Belgium’s North Sea port and is now the country’s only fully developed car manufacturing site. It works alongside Volvo’s Torslanda facility in Sweden, with a third plant currently under construction in Slovakia — all forming a strategic global manufacturing network for the automaker.
Conclusion
With production of the EX30 Electric SUV now in full swing, Volvo is not just building a car — it’s helping build a cleaner, more innovative automotive future. As the company continues to push boundaries in EV development, the EX30 SUV is set to play a pivotal role in Volvo’s journey to becoming a fully electric brand
