Summary
- Volvo’s flagship luxury SUV, the EX90, will be introduced in South Africa in the first half of 2025
- Volvo Cars South Africa has overtaken BMW in BEV sales, with the Volvo EX30 leading the way
- The BEV market in South Africa is currently small, with limited variety of models and high taxes on electric vehicles
- The Volvo EX90 is engineered to be the safest Volvo ever, with advanced safety technology and a range of 751 km on a single charge
- Volvo aims to have electrified vehicles account for 90-100% of its global sales by 2030, with various electrified options available in South Africa
Article
Volvo is set to introduce its flagship luxury SUV, the EX90, to the South African market in the first half of 2025. This move signals Volvo’s increasing presence in the electric vehicle (EV) market in South Africa, where BMW has been a leader in EV sales for years. Despite the small size of the South African EV market, Volvo has seen significant success with its EV offerings, particularly with the EX30 compact SUV which led the sales charts in 2024. With the introduction of the EX90, Volvo aims to further solidify its position in the South African EV market.
The South African EV market is relatively small, with only 0.24% of vehicles sold in 2024 being battery electric. This is largely attributed to the limited variety of EV models available in the country, as well as high import duties and taxes on electric vehicles. However, Volvo has been proactive in expanding its EV lineup in South Africa, with models like the EX30 garnering positive reception and sales numbers. The introduction of the EX90, with its advanced safety features and luxurious interior, is expected to appeal to consumers seeking a spacious and upscale electric SUV option.
The EX90 is built on Volvo’s advanced SPA2 platform and boasts impressive performance metrics, including 380 kW of power and 910 N.m of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, offering a blend of power and refinement. Volvo’s commitment to electrification is further demonstrated through its plans to have electrified vehicles, including BEVs and PHEVs, account for 90-100% of its global sales by 2030. The EX90’s long range capabilities and fast charging capabilities make it well-suited for extended road trips in South Africa.
SUVs have been the most popular EV models in South Africa, with compact SUVs like the Volvo EX30 and BMW iX3 leading the sales charts. The affordability of EV models also plays a significant role in driving sales, with the EX30 being positioned as one of the more affordable options. However, there is a growing demand for more affordable EV models in the sub-R500,000 price range to further accelerate sales in the market. Volvo’s expansion of its electric lineup in South Africa reflects the broader trend towards electrification in the automotive industry.
Volvo’s success in the South African EV market highlights the potential for growth and development in the electric vehicle segment. With the introduction of the EX90, Volvo aims to continue its momentum in offering premium electric SUV options to consumers. As the market evolves and more affordable EV models become available, the adoption of electric vehicles in South Africa is expected to increase. Volvo’s commitment to electrification and safety innovation positions the brand as a leader in the transition towards sustainable mobility solutions.
In conclusion, Volvo’s entry into the South African EV market with the EX90 signifies a significant shift in the landscape of electric vehicle offerings. With a focus on safety, performance, and luxury, Volvo aims to capture a larger share of the growing EV market in South Africa. As consumer preferences for electric SUVs continue to rise, Volvo’s diverse lineup of electrified options caters to a wide range of preferences. The introduction of more affordable EV models in the future is expected to further drive the adoption of electric vehicles in South Africa and accelerate the country’s transition towards sustainable mobility.
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