At home in China, the small Volvo EX30 is a gigantic flop for the brand. Now they are trying under the code name V446 with a new SUV and special technology.
Volvo's electric car EX30 has not fared well at home in China. So now the car brand is trying to reverse the trend with a new model developed specifically for the Chinese market.
The new SUV, known internally as the V446, has been designed and engineered in China in collaboration between Volvo's local development team and parent group Geely, as well as technology companies EcarX and Meizu. Production will take place at Volvo's factory in Taizhou.
The V446 differs from other Volvo models by having unique software and hardware. Although the exact details of the powertrain have not yet been published, there are many indications that the car will be equipped with a small petrol engine.
So understood in the sense that the petrol engine functions as a range extender that helps the actual battery pack on its way.
Volvo prefers to use the term "plug-in hybrid". But in China you generally call these kinds of cars EREVs (Extended Range Electric Vehicle).
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The petrol engine in an EREV does not drive the wheels directly, but instead charges the battery, enabling a smaller but efficient internal combustion engine.
The software in the V446 is based on Meizu's Flyme Auto system, which is already used in several Geely models. However, the system will be adapted to ensure a user interface that is consistent with Volvo's model range.
Volvo's strategy to introduce a range-extender model in China reflects a recognition that the transition to electric cars is taking longer in this market.
Erik Severinson of Volvo has stated that these hybrids will play an important role in facilitating the transition to electric cars, both globally and in China.
With the V446, Volvo hopes to appeal to Chinese consumers who want a car with a longer range than a purely electric car. Volvo is not the only car brand that has come to the realization that electric cars cannot do it alone at this time.
In fact, one car brand after another has almost stood in line to announce that they will not only sell electric cars in 2030 or in the years leading up to it. Most recently, Ford has announced that it is firing 4,000 people in Europe, because it cannot sell enough electric cars in our latitudes. Read more about it here .
