!['Something small is coming' – Volvo teases EX30 SUV ahead of global debut in June [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Volvo-EX30-teaser-hero.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
‘Something small is coming’ – Volvo teases EX30 SUV ahead of global debut in June [Video]
Volvo Cars has had a small card… or car, up its sleeve that it is ready to show to the world. A new small SUV dubbed the “Volvo EX30” will make its global debut in less than a month and will instantly become available to reserve. Before then, Volvo teased its latest EV model in a video available to view below.
Volvo Cars Corp. is riding high after a stellar first quarter of 2023, following a noteworthy 2022 prior to that. The legacy automaker, well on its way to delivering an entirely electric lineup of vehicles, saw a doubling of EV sales last year, which accounted for 11% of its total and contributed to its record annual revenue of $32 billion.
One complete quarter into 2023, Volvo picked up right where it left off, reporting EV sales had expanded another 157%, led by its two BEV models – the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge – both of which recently saw performance upgrades, including an RWD option for the first time in 15 years.
Volvo’s third all-electric option will be a large SUV called the EX90, already being touted by its makers as the safest vehicle from the brand to date. Due to such hype surrounding the upcoming EV, Volvo recently had to close orders because its entire first year of production is now sold out.
Luckily, Volvo Cars has another, albeit smaller, SUV called the EX30 in the works that will be available for reservations next month.
Check out the ‘small’ teaser for Volvo’s EX30 SUV
In January, we reported on the EX30 as one of Volvo’s six upcoming electric models spotted in a company presentation that also included plans for its first all-electric minivan. At the time, Volvo CEO Jim Rowan said the EX30 would be revealed on June 15 and elaborated on the consumers it will be targeted toward:
The new smaller one [SUV] is a new addition to the range. The age demographic at Volvo is a little older than we’d like. We’d like to get some more younger people into the brand. That will be a really nice price point I think for an entry level. Very safe, decent [driving] range, good size still, smaller than a 40, we’re going to talk to a completely different demographic, for the first time probably. And that younger demographic will probably be the ones that shop online.
Today we’ve learned that the upcoming EX30 will actually be revealed a week earlier, on June 7, 2023. Here’s the appropriately small press release from Volvo this morning:
On June 7 at 7:30 a.m. EDT, the new, fully electric Volvo EX30 SUV will make its global debut. On the same date, it will also become available to reserve in the US. So keep your eyes peeled, as we’ll reveal a lot more details on our new small SUV in coming weeks. Thinking small is one of our biggest ideas.
We are certain to learn more about the true size and capabilities of the EX30 small SUV during its global debut event, but in the meantime, Volvo has shared the following teaser video showcasing some views of the SUV’s rear, hood, and headlamps. Have a look.
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Volkswagen Group Africa has officially begun production of a modern electric farm tractor at its multifunctional facility in Gashora, Rwanda in a bid to advance modern, low-emission agricultural initiatives in Africa.
Part of a larger Rwandan initiative called the GenFarm Project, the new VW tractor is part of a “holistic ecosystem” of electrified farming machinery set to be used throughout rural Africa – where liquid fossil fuels are often just as difficult to come by as electricity. The goal is to provide machinery that’s both sustainable and reliable.
“We are growing our footprint in Africa and regard Rwanda as a key growth market. This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainable practices and highlights our ability to provide mobility solutions to the rural community in addition to the urban community currently serviced by our Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda business,” explains Martina Biene, Volkswagen Group Africa Chairperson and Managing Director. “The GenFarm Project fosters technological innovation and aligns with Volkswagen Group’s strategy to generate meaningful value for both society and the environment through sustainable mobility.”
The GenFarm project will eventually provide mobility services for transportation of goods and people. In June 2023, Volkswagen Group Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Rwanda to provide land for the establishment of the GenFarm Project.
The Volkswagen tractors’ electric motor produces 20 kW (about 27 hp), making it about the same size as the Solectrac product (which hasn’t worked out well in the US, it must be said). That motor gets its electrons from a 32 kWh swappable battery. Batteries are swapped/charged at the Empowerment Hub to minimize downtime. DC fast charging isn’t available, but the relatively small, swappable batteries (hopefully) mean that’s not much of a problem.
The GenFarm project hopes the new VW electric tractor will help clean up Rwanda’s agricultural sector, which currently accounts for some 25% of the national Gross Domestic Product.
Electrek’s Take
We’ve talked a lot about the lack of new farmers in America, but the problem is global – especially as western companies, and western ideas about consumerism, continue to spread. Products like this electric tractor from VW will make farming cleaner, quieter, and (hopefully) more attractive to young workers.
SOURCE | IMAGES: VW Group Africa.
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A new, all electric Peterbilt 579EV is in-service at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama assembly plant, where it’s busy transporting newly-built Honda cars from the plant to a nearby railhead for shipment to dealers across the country.
Part of a pilot program between Honda, Alabama Power, and Virginia Transportation Corp., the new electric semi truck will help stakeholders gather data about the practicality and performance of the battery-powered Pete and use it to generate case studies for broader electrification initiatives. Other supporters of the pilot project include the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and, of course, Peterbilt.
“We remain committed to delivering for our customers and the environment,” offered Leo Doire, owner and CEO of Virginia Transportation Corp. “Our new Peterbilt 579EV model will be tested to determine how well it performs against the high productivity demands of our operations. The partners we have at the table will help us maximize this opportunity and prepare to scale up if we get the results we are hoping for.”
The truck itself has been spec’ed to be perfect for the kind of short haul and drayage applications Honda has in mind. This particular Peterbilt 579EV is fitted with PACCAR’s 400 kWh battery and a 670 hp electric motor good for an impressive 2,050 lb-ft of peak torque at 0 rpm.
The truck offers 150 miles of operating range and can be charged in about 3 hours on a 120 kW charger installed specifically for that purpose. A charger, it should be noted, that was partially paid for by Alabama Power.
“Alabama Power’s ‘Make Ready’ program provides businesses with valuable rebates to help reduce the upfront costs of installing EV infrastructure,” says Alabama Power Electric Transportation Manager Hasin Gandhakwala. “We are committed to partnering with customers who are exploring state and federal grant opportunities. Alabama Power is dedicated to advancing EV technologies to better serve the needs of our customers.”
The electric semi is a continuation of a decarbonization project Honda initiated in 2011, when the company recruited Virginia Transport Corp. to help find ways to reduce emissions at its Alabama facilities. VTC’s efforts have led to changes that displaced more than 475,000 gallons of diesel in 2023 alone.
Electrek’s Take
With the big Pete’s 82,000 lb. GVWR and 150 miles of range between charging sessions, it seems like these guys will be making a lot of back-and-forth runs between the Honda plant and the CSX terminal to me. Here’s hoping they see the benefits of electrifying the rest of their vehicle transport fleets somewhat sooner than later.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Alabama Power.
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On today’s episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got big solar breaking ground all over, despite the incoming administration’s supposed lack of love for home-grown clean energy. Our guests today walk us through home solar, energy storage, and more.
Today’s episode is sponsored by BLUETTI, a leading provider of portable power stations, solar generators, and energy storage systems. For a limited time, save up to 52% during BLUETTI’s exclusive Black Friday sale, now through November 28, and be sure to use promo code BLUETTI5OFF for 5% off all power stations sitewide. Learn more by clicking here.
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Read more: Saldivar’s Trucking: first owner-operator to deploy Volvo VNR Electric semi.
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