Volvo has opened a new assembly line in its Belgian factory. The brand can now assemble its own batteries for electric cars. With this, the Swedish brand takes a step towards its larger goal.
The new assembly line for batteries is a major part of the production of an upcoming model. This is because Volvo will start production of the fully electric XC40 Recharge P8 in Ghent later this year. The Belgian factory is the first production site of the brand where batteries are assembled. “This puts the factory at the forefront of the preparation for electrification of all our production facilities,” said Geert Bruynzeel, Head of Global Production Operations.
Battery production plays a major role, as Volvo will introduce a fully electric car every year in the next five years. By 2025, half of all Volvo cars sold will only have an electric motor under the hood. To achieve this goal, the Chinese factory in Luqiao is now also being prepared for the production of EVs. Last year, Volvo also entered into a long-term partnership with the Chinese CATL and South Korean LG Chem for the supply of batteries.
Volvo’s first EV will be at the Dutch dealers later this year. The XC40 Recharge P8 has a range “of more than 400 kilometers (WLTP)”. The prices start in our country at € 59,900.