Volvo's New Platform to Enable Truly Low-Slung Electric Wagons

Volvo's new all-electric platform, SPA3, will address longstanding issues with electric vehicles—such as cramped interior space and elevated ride height—caused by conventional battery packaging. Previous models built on the combustion-derived SPA2 platform (used for vehicles like the ES90 and EX90) struggled to achieve a genuinely low center of gravity, often forcing rear passengers to contend with high floor levels that cramped their knees. In contrast, SPA3 is a dedicated EV architecture featuring a modular battery design that allows certain cells to be locally removed, combined with downward-oriented battery terminals. This configuration frees up additional footroom for rear passengers, enabling lower seating positions and an overall reduction in vehicle height. According to Volvo CTO Anders Bell, the platform supports the development of “very low, truly low” vehicles, including all-electric wagons. Although the first SPA3-based model will be the EX60 electric SUV, the spiritual successor to Volvo’s iconic V90 wagon could make a comeback using this new platform. Given the current scarcity of all-electric wagons on the market, a Volvo offering would be highly competitive.