Summary
- Volvo plans to maintain their current design strategy for electric cars to resemble their internal-combustion models
- The automaker is focused on reducing aerodynamic drag to improve EV range
- The design of future Volvo models will maintain a familial look while considering practical considerations such as interior space
- Volvo’s lineup won’t be all-electric by 2030 as originally planned, but 90% will have a plug
- New electric vehicles in the works include the EX60 and the ES90 sedan, showcasing Volvo’s design direction.
Article
Volvo has no plans to deviate from its current strategy of styling electric cars similar to its internal-combustion models, according to Florian Mockenhaupt, the automaker’s senior manager of exterior design. Maintaining a consistent Volvo look is key, with the company still focusing on reducing aerodynamic drag to improve EV range. While some other automakers have opted for nontraditional designs, Volvo is adamant about sticking to its signature style.
The upcoming 2025.5 Volvo XC90 and 2025 Volvo EX90 will continue to embody the familial look that Volvo is known for while also taking practical considerations into account. Mockenhaupt emphasized the importance of spacious interiors, noting that sleek designs could compromise this feature. The EX90 3-row SUV will maintain traditional SUV proportions, catering to customer expectations. The smaller EX30 electric SUV has been delayed in the U.S. due to tariffs but will also feature similar design features.
Volvo recently announced that their lineup won’t be fully electric by 2030 as originally planned, but they still aim for 90% of vehicles sold to have a plug by then. Plug-in hybrids will continue to be a significant part of Volvo’s lineup, alongside new EVs like the EX60 and ES90. The EX60 will be an electric version of the XC60 SUV on a new scalable architecture called SPA3, providing Volvo’s design team with more opportunities to showcase their design direction.
Mockenhaupt reiterated that Volvo will continue to prioritize maintaining a Volvo-like appearance for their electric vehicle lineup. Rejecting nontraditional designs that deviate from the brand’s identity, Volvo’s commitment to a consistent aesthetic is unwavering. The company’s dedication to aerodynamic efficiency and practicality, especially in terms of interior space, will be a guiding principle for future electric models.
The design philosophy for Volvo’s electric vehicles underscores the brand’s dedication to offering customers a familiar and spacious experience while integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. By maintaining a familial look across its lineup, Volvo hopes to appeal to customers who value tradition, reliability, and innovation. The gradual transition to a predominantly electric lineup by 2030 demonstrates Volvo’s commitment to sustainability while retaining the distinctive characteristics that define the brand.
Ultimately, Volvo’s approach to styling electric cars reflects a careful balance between tradition and innovation, practicality and performance. The refusal to adopt radical design changes in favor of a consistent, Volvo-like aesthetic speaks to the brand’s values of reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction. By incorporating advancements in aerodynamics and electric technology into their designs, Volvo aims to remain at the forefront of the automotive industry while staying true to their heritage and identity as a leading luxury car manufacturer.
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