The Volvo EX30 isn’t just any car. It’s a compact, electric SUV that looks like a trendy city slicker but packs the punch of a Viking. And since April 2025, this little beast has been rolling off the assembly line at Volvo’s factory in Ghent, the last stronghold of Belgian car production. This isn’t some dull tale of conveyor belts and factory halls – it’s a triumph of steel, tech, and a hefty dose of Flemish grit.
Let’s zero in on Ghent, where the Volvo Car Gent factory isn’t just tightening a few bolts. This place has become a high-tech playground, thanks to a 200-million-euro investment to build the EX30. They’ve installed 600 new and upgraded robots, set up a door production line, and expanded the battery plant with an extra assembly line. The result? A factory that churns out a new production line faster than a teenager posts a TikTok video. And good thing, too, because the EX30 is a smash hit. In Europe, it’s the third best-selling electric car, with 80% of production destined for our continent.
The EX30 itself is like a perfectly baked waffle: crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and everyone wants a piece. Starting at 38,990 euros, it’s sharply priced, especially when you factor in the 5,000-euro Flemish subsidy for private buyers. It boasts a range of 344 to 480 kilometers, depending on the battery, and in its most potent version – with dual motors and 428 horsepower – it rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in a blink. It’s no hypercar, but for a compact SUV, it’s like adding a shot of espresso to your morning coffee. Then there’s the Cross Country variant, a rugged chap with raised suspension and off-road tires, ready to tackle muddy trails like a walk in the park.
But why Ghent? Simple: Volvo follows the mantra “build where you sell.” Until recently, the EX30 came from China, which caused headaches due to import tariffs. By making it in Ghent, Volvo sidesteps those costs and keeps the price competitive. Plus, the factory has a trump card: it produces its own batteries. That’s a big deal in a world where battery production is often outsourced. Ghent has the know-how, making it a vital cog in Volvo’s global machine.
The factory’s transformation is a story in itself. A 40,000-square-meter old storage hall was turned into a cutting-edge assembly line in record time – just a year and a half! Workers zip around on bikes, weaving between humming machines and buzzing robots to keep everything on track. And the best part? This project created 350 new jobs, bringing the total workforce to 6,600. In an era when Belgium’s auto industry is taking hits – Audi Brussels recently shut its doors – this is a lifeline for Ghent and a middle finger to the naysayers.
Still, it’s not all smooth sailing. The EX30 may be a winner, but the auto industry is a jungle. Import tariffs, chip shortages, and the breakneck shift to electric keep everyone on edge. But Ghent has a reputation for efficiency and innovation. They’ve streamlined EX30 production to aim for 30,000 units in 2025, alongside other models like the EX40, EC40, XC40, and V60. That’s no small feat for a factory that built 192,991 cars in 2022.
Let’s be real: the EX30 isn’t just a smart move for Volvo; it’s a car you want. It’s compact (4.2 meters long), has a 318-liter boot (or 904 with the rear seats down), and is built with recycled materials, so you feel slightly less guilty about your carbon footprint. The interior is minimalist yet premium, with four different vibes to choose from. It’s the kind of car you buy because it looks good, drives well, and your boss approves it as a company car.
The start of EX30 production in Ghent is more than an economic boost; it’s a symbol of resilience. While other factories close, Ghent keeps humming. And with the Cross Country version arriving later this year, the factory will have to kick into overdrive. This isn’t a story of grey assembly lines but of a city and a factory that refuse to give up.
For those already dreaming of an EX30 – or any other car – check out our marketplace. At Volty, you can search, compare, and buy your dream ride, from electric SUVs to classic petrol guzzlers. Head to https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/ and find your next set of wheels.
