Following the production launch of Volvo’s first full-electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge P8 depicted here, the company has announced an affordable alternative called the XC20.
Speaking in an interview, Volvo Cars CEO Håkan Samuelsson said that the company was considering licensing Geely’s SEA platform (Sustainable Experience Architecture) to produce a compact-sized and wallet-friendly electric car. He pointed out that trying to cut the corners of the company’s main architecture – CMA – did not seem viable. Furthermore, since SEA is a China-made platform, Volvo would be able to save on logistics across the board thanks to locally made components.
The SEA debuted simultaneously with the battery-powered Lynk & Co Zero not long ago. The platform supports wheelbase lengths between 1.8 and 3.3 meters (5.9 – 10.8 feet). The XC40 has 2,702 mm (8.86 feet) between its axles, while the new XC20 would have around 2.5 meters (8.2 feet). The car is already in development and should come out in a few years.
Samuelsson also hinted at the impending reveal of another 40 Series car, most likely the new V40.