Volvo’s smallest and most affordable electric SUV, the EX30, was the third top-selling EV in Europe last year, behind Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3. Now, you can finally snag one in the US.

Volvo EX30 becomes a top-seller as US deliveries kick-off

After delivering the first models in late 2023, the Volvo EX30 quickly became one of Europe’s top-selling electric cars. By August, the EX30 was the second top-selling EV in the region, trailing only the Model Y.

Starting at around 36,000 euros ($37,200), Volvo’s compact electric SUV is among the most affordable options in its segment. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y starts at $44,990 in Europe.

According to the latest data from market researcher Jato Dynamics, the Volvo EX30 was the third-best-selling EV model in 2024, with over 78,000 registrations. It followed only the Tesla Model Y (209,214) and Model 3 (112,789).

Volvo said it expected the EX30 to be a “game-changer” after unveiling it in 2023, but I don’t think many saw it happening this quickly.

The EX30 outsold the Skoda Enyaq (68,874) and Volkswagen’s ID.4 (64,756) and ID.3 (54,531) models. Volvo’s EX40 was number 13, with 39,955 registrations, down 21% from 2023.

US prices and specs

Volvo announced prices for its 2025 lineup last month, including the new EX30. The 2025 EX30 Twin Motor Performance starts at $44,900. Opting for the Ultra trim costs an extra $1,700, starting at $46,600, which gains added Park Pilot Assist, 360-degree camera with a 3D view, Pilot Assist, and other features.

Optional features include a Retractable Trailer Hitch (+$1,830), Load Bars (+$400), Front Mud Flaps ( +$200), Protection Package Premier (+$685), Panoramic Roof Sunshade (+$200), and the Climate Package (+$500).

The EX30 Twin Motor Performance, with up to 422 hp, is Volvo’s fastest-accelerating vehicle yet, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Both models have an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 253 miles. With 153 kW DC fast charging, the EX30 can charge from 10% to 80% in 26.5 minutes.

Despite its smaller size, the EX30 is still loaded with the tech and safety features we expect from the Volvo brand.

The interior setup includes a 12.3″ tablet-style infotainment with Google built-in, ergonomic seats, clever storage options, and more.

At 167″ long, 72″ wide, and 61″ tall with a wheelbase of 104″, the EX30 is about the size of a Chevy Bolt EV (163″ long x 70″ wide x 62″ tall), which is no longer available (for now, at least).

Volvo said the lower-priced Single Motor EX30 model will arrive in the US later this year, starting at around $34,950.

The EX90, Volvo’s first three-row electric SUV (see our review), is also now available in the US, starting at $79,995. Powered by a 111 kWh battery, the 2025 Volvo EX90 gets up to 310 miles range with fast charging (10% to 80%) in about 30 minutes.

Volvo’s XC40 Recharge has been renamed the EX40 to match the new models rolling out. The 2025 Volvo EX40 starts at $52,500, while the Twin Motor AWD variant costs $54,250.

Ready to check out Volvo’s new electric SUVs for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find deals on 2025 Volvo EV models at a dealer near you today.

ES Foundry will become the largest producer of crystalline silicon solar cells in the US with the launch of its new factory in South Carolina.

The factory is expected to reach a shipment capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW) by Q3 2025, positioning ES Foundry to become a cornerstone of the domestic solar supply chain. Its more than 400,000-square-foot factory is on track to employ around 500 local workers by June 2025.

Alex Zhu, ES Foundry’s CEO, said, “The facility’s strategic location in Greenwood highlights ES Foundry’s dedication to supporting local communities, generating high-quality jobs, and driving regional economic development.”

The company announced in mid-January that it had secured its first multi-gigawatt, multi-year contract with a “top-tier solar module manufacturer.” ES Foundry’s domestically produced solar cells enable its partners to unlock additional Investment Tax Credit (ITC) benefits for domestic content – well, for now, anyway.

Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, said, “This facility is an example of how we combine good policy with business innovation to deliver for American workers, support the local economy, and strengthen our nation’s energy security.”

According to the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association, the solar industry’s economic impact in South Carolina is expected to increase nearly fourfold by 2035, with projections showing a rise in annual economic activity from $306.6 million in 2024 to almost $1.4 billion by 2035.

This surge will support the creation of 3,315 permanent jobs, generating $260.9 million annually in labor income.

Electrek’s Take

ES Foundry’s solar cell factory will play a key role in helping South Carolina – a state that Donald Trump won handily in the presidential election – realize the cumulative $19 billion economic impact projected for the solar industry by 2035.

Yet, according to a Trump executive order issued on January 20, solar isn’t even defined as an “energy resource.”

South Carolina has hugely benefitted from Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. I’d tell you exactly how much IRA investment there’s been in the state, which is in the billions, but the Trump administration has now censored that information on its government website with a “403 – access denied.”

I’m curious to see whether South Carolina GOP legislators and solar industry executives can manage to talk their anti-IRA smack yet manage not to destroy the thousands of jobs and powerful renewables economy they created under Biden.

Read more: New York’s largest solar farm is a go with $950 million in funding

If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

GM cut a shift at its Ramos Arizpe manufacturing plant in Mexico, where it builds the Chevy Equinox EV and Honda Prologue. According to GM, the move was due to Honda’s decision to slow Prologue output. With sales of its sole electric SUV in the US surging, why is Honda cutting back?

GM cuts shift at Mexico EV plant over Prologue output

Although GM just added a third shift in May 2024, the plant returned to a two-shift schedule starting on January 20.

The move was initially thought to be because its contract to build the Prologue ended, but it turns out that Honda is scaling back.

“This change is mainly due to our customer Honda’s strategy of reducing the production volume of the Prologue model,” GM said in a statement. The shift was added to meet higher export demand for gas engines and Ultium-based EVs like the Chevy Equinox and Blazer EVs and Honda’s Prologue.

With less Prologue EV output, GM no longer needs the extra shift in Mexico. According to Mexico Business News, the company is eliminating 800 jobs at the plant due to the changes.

GM also said the changes were due to “an adjustment in the mix of production of GM vehicles at the site,” so it wasn’t entirely the Prologue’s fault. The company also builds gas-powered Chevy Blazers at the site.

Honda didn’t confirm the changes, but a spokesperson (via Automotive News) said, “It is quite normal for our business to make production adjustments during the year in order to meet customer needs and market conditions. We will continue to carefully manage production and inventory for our entire product lineup to meet anticipated demand in 2025.”

After delivering the first models in March, Honda’s Prologue was one of the best-selling EVs in the US in 2024. With over 33,000 models sold last year, Honda’s electric SUV was the seventh top-selling EV, ahead of the Chevy Equinox EV (28,874).

Electrek’s Take

Given that the Prologue is one of the top-selling EVs, why is Honda slowing production? Honda is moving away from GM’s Ultium platform with its upcoming 0 Series EVs, but that isn’t the reason yet.

The Prologue was once again one of the top-selling EVs in the US last month. With 3,744 models sold, it outsold Ford’s Mustang Mach-E (3,529), the Hyundai IONIQ 5 (2,250), and the Kia EV6 (1,542).

The move to slow output at this point is questionable. As more details unfold, we’ll learn more. Check back for more information on the situation.