Volvo’s Cheap EV Finally Comes To America, Just In Time For Tesla Face-Off

Volvo’s EV lineup just got a lot better for 2026

Volvo has updated its entire EV range for 2026
EX30 Single Motor becomes cheapest new Volvo EV
EX90 gains software updates, and EX40 gets Black Edition

Volvo has just announced a number of noteworthy updates for its 2026 lineup of EVs, including the EX30, EX40, and EX90. We already know of the substantial charging and computing upgrades that have been announced for the EX90, but the main news is that the base EX30 Single Motor has finally arrived. It sports a price tag of under $40,000, putting it right on par with Tesla’s new Model Y Standard.

The extensive changes to Volvo’s EV lineup will contribute to an ambitious 2030 goal of matching Audi on the sales charts.

Single Motor EX30 Not As Affordable As Promised

When Volvo first announced the EX30, it promised a starting price of just $34,950 for the base model. But it’s been a while since that announcement, so the EX30 Single Motor now carries a starting MSRP of $38,950. That’s over $1,000 less than the new Tesla Model Y Standard, which begins at $39,990.

The EX30 Single Motor produces 268 horsepower and has a range on a full charge of 261 miles. It should be capable of a 0-60 mph sprint time in just over five seconds. The new Tesla Model Y Standard is more powerful (300 hp) and has a much better range (321 miles), but its 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds trails the Volvo—the Tesla is a larger, heavier vehicle, after all.

The EX30 Single Motor will be offered in Plus trim, but it’s not clear what features may have been omitted for this base model.

For more adventure-minded drivers, the new EX30 Cross Country also arrives. It gets better ground clearance, available all-terrain tires, and standard all-wheel drive, along with uniquely rugged looks. Featuring twin motors, this more powerful EX30 will start at $48,150—Tesla doesn’t sell a rugged version of the Model Y.

EX40 Gets New Black Edition

The EX40, which fills the gap between the EX30 and EX90, now becomes the first Volvo EV in the United States to get the Black Edition look. Along with black trim elements inside and out, this fashionable SUV can be finished in Onyx Black, Crystal White, Vapour Grey, and Denim Blue.

Volvo did not confirm pricing of this model, but we know that the EX40 currently starts at $56,445, including the destination charge. Producing up to 402 hp with twin motors, this Volvo EV can hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It’s not as quick as the EX30, but it’s a more practical and luxurious option than that.

2026 EX90 Should Address Software Concerns

We’ve already covered most of the changes to the 2026 Volvo EX90, many of which aim to address serious software issues with the 2025 model. These include a new core computer, and owners of the 2025 model will be able to enjoy this upgrade for free in the months ahead. The 800-volt electrical architecture is another major change, improving charging speeds. Owners will be able to add 155 miles of range in only 10 minutes.

Volvo has also confirmed that a new EX90 Single Motor will join the lineup, below the Twin Motor and Twin Motor Performance derivatives. Both Twin Motor models will be more powerful, with the latter producing 670 hp, making it Volvo’s most powerful vehicle ever.

Pricing for the new EX90 Single Motor wasn’t shared, but it should be comfortably cheaper than the $81,290 starting price of the current Twin Motor.

Final Thoughts

Volvo’s electrified lineup is more alluring than ever, especially with cheaper variants of the EX30 and EX90 being added for 2026. Having recently achieved a huge milestone for its plug-in hybrids, the Swedish brand is moving closer and closer to a fully electrified lineup.

The challenge for Volvo right now is to ensure its vehicles’ software systems perform reliably, which hasn’t been the case until now.