Volvo’s Groundbreaking Electric SUV: The EX60 Set To Revolutionise The Market in 2026

Volvo is accelerating its shift towards electrification, even though it has adjusted its goal of becoming an EV-only brand by 2030. The Swedish automaker is still committed to producing zero-emission models and making a significant impact in the electric vehicle (EV) market. A key step in this direction is the forthcoming Volvo EX60 , an all-electric SUV scheduled for release in 2026.

This highly anticipated model is part of a larger strategy to combine cutting-edge technology and sustainability, creating a dynamic range of EVs while maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. Here’s what to expect from Volvo’s newest offerings, with a deeper look into the SPA3 architecture, flexible technology, and the company’s vision for the future.

The Volvo EX60: A Critical Milestone
The Volvo EX60 will be the electric counterpart to the brand’s popular XC60, which has been at the heart of Volvo’s portfolio for years. The EX60 is expected to share many similarities with the XC60 in terms of size and design, while also drawing inspiration from the smaller EX30 and larger EX90. This electric SUV will be Volvo’s response to growing demand for mid-sized EVs, positioning itself as a competitor to BMW's "Neue Klasse" iX3 and the upcoming electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

With the global shift towards electric vehicles encountering some hurdles, including a slowdown in adoption rates, Volvo has chosen a dual approach, offering both internal combustion engine (ICE) models and fully electric versions to ensure it remains relevant to all customers.

The SPA3 Platform: A Game-Changer for Volvo
One of the most exciting developments surrounding the EX60 is its construction on Volvo’s new SPA3 platform. This platform is a significant upgrade from the previous SPA2 architecture and represents a monumental shift in how Volvo plans to design and manufacture its future EVs.

The SPA3 platform is highly scalable and versatile, allowing Volvo to create a wide range of models, from compact SUVs like the EX30 to larger vehicles such as the EX90. The enhanced platform also reduces production costs, making it more efficient to develop electric cars at various price points and in different sizes, depending on market demand.

Volvo’s Chief Engineering & Technology Officer, Anders Bell, has described the SPA3 platform as a crucial leap in engineering. It offers greater flexibility, enabling Volvo to respond more quickly to changes in consumer preferences and market trends. In addition, the new architecture will allow for improved core computing capabilities, which will enhance the overall performance of the vehicles built on it.

Superset Tech Stack: The Heart of Volvo’s EV Future
Starting with the EX90, Volvo plans to integrate its innovative "Superset tech stack" into all future EV models. This system combines modules, software, and hardware into a flexible system that can be adjusted depending on the model's specifications and market positioning.

The Superset tech stack offers several advantages. It not only enhances the technical capabilities of each vehicle but also allows Volvo to continually improve its cars through over-the-air (OTA) software updates. This means that the EX60 and other future models will remain technologically up-to-date without needing hardware modifications. As a result, Volvo is ensuring its vehicles remain competitive and adaptable over time.

The Flexibility of the SPA3 Platform
One of the SPA3 platform's most significant benefits is its flexibility. Unlike previous platforms, SPA3 is designed to accommodate a variety of vehicle sizes and types. From the compact EX30 to the larger EX90, this scalability ensures that Volvo can offer models across a wide range of price points and sizes, making EVs more accessible to a broader audience.

This adaptability also positions Volvo to respond more effectively to regional market demands. Whether it’s developing smaller EVs for city driving or larger SUVs for families, the SPA3 platform allows Volvo to create models that cater to different consumer needs, all while maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and performance.

Competition and Market Strategy
When the EX60 launches in 2026, it will face stiff competition from other premium automakers. BMW’s "Neue Klasse" iX3 and the electric Mercedes-Benz GLC are both expected to debut around the same time. Volvo’s strategy of offering both ICE and electric models will help it maintain a foothold in the market, especially as many consumers remain hesitant to switch entirely to EVs.

The ability to offer a facelifted version of the XC60 alongside the all-electric EX60 ensures that Volvo can cater to both segments of the market. This dual strategy allows Volvo to retain its traditional customers while also attracting new buyers who are interested in zero-emission vehicles.

The Future of Volvo: Beyond the EX60
Volvo’s ambitions for the future don’t stop at the EX60. The SPA3 architecture and Superset tech stack will serve as the foundation for a new generation of EVs, with models designed to suit different segments and regions. As Björn Annwall, Volvo’s deputy CEO, highlighted, the EX60 is a crucial milestone in the company’s electrification journey. However, it’s only the beginning of what Volvo envisions as a complete overhaul of its lineup by 2030.

By continuing to develop and improve its EV technology, Volvo is positioning itself as a leader in the electric vehicle market. The company’s commitment to reducing emissions, while maintaining high standards of quality and performance, is setting a benchmark for other automakers to follow.

The upcoming Volvo EX60 represents a pivotal moment in the automaker’s journey toward electrification. With its scalable SPA3 platform, flexible Superset tech stack, and strategic approach to maintaining both ICE and EV models, Volvo is ensuring that it stays ahead of the competition. The EX60 will not only serve as an electric alternative to the popular XC60 but also highlight Volvo’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and engineering excellence.