Volvo wagon to live on as an EV, but it will be very different

The Volvo wagon is set to live on in the fast-evolving new EV world – but it will take advantage of the design freedoms afforded by batteries and electric motors.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the new C40 battery electric coupe-inspired crossover vehicle, Volvo design chief Robin Page told EV Central that one of the brand’s most iconic models – the wagon – would evolve the imminent EV transformation of the brand.

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“There is the need for customers to have this potentially lower car than the SUV but something that gives you the big versatile space in the back,” said Page about the potential for a future Volvo EV wagon.

Volvo is fast moving away from ICE and the next generation of its XC60 will be an early step to EV only, something that allows designers to take advantage of the ground-up design freedoms of an EV.

“What you will see is a modern proportion,” said Page.

“We will adapt the proportions to the electrification principles, ie optimising the interior space. We don’t need that big space for the engine anymore, we don’t need a big open grille.”

In other words, the future Volvo EV wagon won’t look like the old ones.

Page also said optimising interior space would be a big one for the new EV Volvo wagon.

However, it would require some innovative thinking to ensure the lower stance people expect of a traditional wagon.

He talked of “foot garages” similar to those used in the Porsche Taycan, whereby there is a break in the battery pack to allow for the feet of rear seat occupants. It means the battery can still sit low in the floor, but that there would be carefully designed holes to maximise passenger comfort and interior space.

As flat floor is one advantage of an EV (no more transmission tunnels running down the centre of the car), but it can also mean higher knees (especially for rear seat passengers) if the battery pack simply lines the floor of the car.

Like all future Volvo EVs, the electric Volvo wagon will not use leather but instead focus on sustainable materials.

“Using far more natural materials is where we want to go,” said Page.

“As a modern statement to electrification we want to move away from leather and go in that direction.”