- Electric alternative to Volvo XC60 expected to launch in 2026
- New crossover to be called EX60, and use next-generation SPA3 platform
- SPA3 vehicles to incorporate mega casting to save weight and improve production efficiencies
Volvo has only introduced the SPA2 platform in the 2025 EX90 electric midsize SUV which starts U.S. deliveries later this year, but the automaker is already close to introducing the next evolution of the platform. Volvo on Thursday announced the new platform as the SPA3.
Citing comments made by Volvo chief commercial officer and deputy CEO Björn Annwall at Wednesday's reveal of the updated 2025.5 XC90 SUV, Autocar has reported that the SPA3 platform will debut in 2026 in the EX60, essentially an electric alternative to the top-selling XC60 compact crossover.
“[The XC60 is] a fantastic car, and one a lot of people are waiting to get as a full electric option,” Annwall said. “So the day we have that you're going to see a big shift in electrification.”
Björn Annwall
The reason for the quick gestation of the SPA3 platform is that it will share its software systems and electrical architecture with the SPA2 platform, what Volvo refers to as the Volvo Cars Superset technology stack.
Where the SPA3 platform will differ is scalability. The SPA3 platform will be able to support EVs ranging from subcompacts to full-size vehicles, according to Volvo.
Autocar also reported that the platform will introduce mega casting, a production process Volvo in 2022 said it plans to implement at its plant in Torslanda, Sweden. The plant is where Volvo builds the XC60.
Volvo mega casting
Mega casting refers to the use of large single castings for certain body components like parts of the vehicle floor, replacing the traditional method where multiple smaller components are fitted together to form the component. According to Volvo, mega casting reduces weight (helping to improve range and efficiency) and also allows designers to make better use of interior space. It should also improve production efficiencies.
The EX60 is one of the five new EVs Volvo said it is working on during Wednesday's 2025.5 XC90 debut. Another is an ES90 sedan that will serve as an electric alternative to the S90. The ES90 is expected to use the SPA2 platform.
Volvo on Wednesday also said it has abandoned its plan announced in 2021 to become a fully electric and PHEV brand by 2030. The automaker now aims to have 90-100% of its sales made up of a combination of EVs and plug-in hybrids by 2030, with the remaining 10% or less to be gas-powered cars. That means the XC60 will likely remain on sale once the EX60 arrives, similar to how Volvo will sell the XC90 alongside the EX90.
