Volvo tracking well in NZ as it introduces EV and PHEV price parity

Volvo NZ says its tracking well so far this year, with sales up 67 per cent compared with last year. Its electric range is also selling well, with BEV sales up 66 per cent.  

Volvo says the launch of the electric EX90 and ‘strategic pricing parity across the seven-seat battery electric and plug-in hybrid models is central to this growth’, suggesting this ploy removes ‘one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption while strengthening Volvo’s European premium value proposition here in New Zealand’.

Daile Stephens, Volvo Brand Manager, said customer demand accelerated rapidly following the March electrification surge.

“With the uplift in customer demand for electrified vehicles in March, we’re well-positioned to support it. With stock arriving across both PHEV and fully electric models, we’re ensuring customers have choice, availability and confidence when selecting the right electrified SUV for their needs. With electrified options across most SUV segments, Volvo is well equipped to power Kiwi adventures – today and into the future, with the addition of the mid-sized fully electric EX60 later this year.”

Volvo says it is among the first premium vehicle brands here to offer price parity between BEV and PHEV SUVs.

Read more – Volvo EX90 first NZ drive review

The new EX90 electric seven seater is priced from $149,990, while Volvo NZ has recently repositioned pricing on its XC90 Plug-in Hybrid T8, which is now down from $161,990 to $149,990.

Those after a smaller PHEV SUV also now have the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid T8 Black Edition, priced from $119,990 to choose from. 

Volvo NZ says that “in a market where EV adoption has been influenced by upfront affordability and policy shifts, this pricing approach directly addresses one of the most significant remaining barriers to electrification in New Zealand.”