The announcement marks a notable moment for the Swedish manufacturer, which had previously hinted at strong interest without disclosing figures. CEO Hakan Samuelsson confirmed that customer demand has outpaced projections, creating pressure on production capacity rather than sales performance.
The EX60 arrives at a critical time for Volvo. Following difficult launches for the EX30 and EX90, the company is relying on this new model to stabilize its electric vehicle strategy and reinforce its position in a rapidly evolving market.
Production Pressure Grows at Torslanda Plant
The EX60 is now rolling off the assembly line at Volvo’s Torslanda facility, where production adjustments are already under discussion. According to Reuters, the company is considering extending operations beyond the usual schedule, including keeping the plant open for an additional week during the summer, an unprecedented move for the site.
This decision reflects the scale of incoming orders. As Samuelsson told Reuters, “Interest has been above our planned order intake, higher than planned, so at least we know we have the customers; the challenge is now on delivering, not selling.” The statement underscores a shift in priorities, with manufacturing capacity becoming the main bottleneck.
Earlier in the year, Volvo had already indicated it would increase EX60 production due to strong demand, even before the first customer-ready units had left the factory.
Strong Demand Mirrors Broader EV Trends
Volvo is not alone in facing higher-than-expected demand for electric crossovers. A similar situation has emerged at BMW, where production of the iX3 was increased ahead of schedule at its Debrecen plant in Hungary after interest exceeded forecasts, as reported by InsideEVs.
Within Volvo’s own lineup, the EX60 plays a strategic role. The company recorded a 17% drop in global sales during the first quarter, yet fully electric models showed resilience with a 12% increase, helping offset broader declines. These figures highlight the growing importance of EVs in Volvo’s portfolio.
The EX60’s early success contrasts with the more challenging rollout of the EX30 and EX90, both of which encountered issues that affected their market performance.
Competitive Positioning and Market Rollout
The EX60’s appeal is tied in part to its specifications and pricing strategy. The electric crossover offers a range of up to 400 miles and can charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes features that have contributed to strong early orders.
For now, the model is available only in Europe, with U.S. order books expected to open later in the spring. Pricing in Europe is roughly aligned with the XC60 plug-in hybrid, a move that reduces the typical price gap associated with electric vehicles.
This positioning could prove significant as Volvo seeks to strengthen its presence in key markets. The EX30 has been discontinued in the United States, while the higher-priced EX90 has yet to gain traction, leaving the EX60 as a central pillar in the brand’s near-term electric ambitions.
