Once known for safety and practicality, Volvo has transformed into a premium brand over the years. This shift has come with a rise in prices, attracting an older customer base compared to its earlier image of being a reliable and sensible choice.
The new Volvo EX30, an all-electric SUV, is crafted with the aim of having the lowest carbon footprint among Volvo cars. This compact and fully electric model embodies the safety and eco-friendly ethos of Volvo.
While it might seem poised to compete with electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-Tron, the EX30 surprisingly positions itself as a direct rival to more affordable options like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric. Built on the Geely platform shared with Smart No.1 and Zeekr X, the Volvo EX30 promises to be an enticing and budget-friendly addition to the electric vehicle market.
Volvo EX30 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
What’s New about the Volvo EX30?
Volvo’s latest addition, the EC30 Excavator, marks the brand’s inaugural purpose-built electric vehicle. Positioned on Geely’s Scalable Experience Architecture, shared with other group products, it offers comparable specifications to Smart and Zeekr. Featuring Motor models with 268bhp and 253 lb-ft, or the Twin Motor Performance boasting 422bhp and 400 lb-ft, the EC30 offers versatility.
Choose from two battery sizes – 51kWh and 69kWh – delivering ranges of up to 296 miles. Charging maxes at 134kW for the smaller battery and 153kW for the larger, ensuring a swift 10-80% charge in under 30 minutes. While performance figures align with platform-mates, the EC30 stands out as a cost-effective option, rivalling other electric vehicles in terms of value. A “Core” model is also set to join the lineup in 2024, emphasising Volvo’s commitment to affordable electrification.
Also, Read- Used Honda Civic On CarGurus: Your Reliable Partner While Travelling
Volvo EX30 Specifications
| Price | £40,995 |
| Engine | 69kWh Battery, Twin Electric Motors, 428bhp, 400 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-Speed, All-Wheel Drive |
| Performance | 0-62 3.6s, 280-mile range, and 112 mph top speed |
| Weight/Material | 1833kg |
| Dimensions | 4233 x 1940 x 1555mm |
Pricing of the Newest Volvo EX30
The Volvo EX30 is rumoured to cost around £40,995 but is surely facing tough competition in the small electric SUV market, competing with models like the Peugeot e-2008 and MG ZS, as well as the pricier Škoda Enyaq iV, Jeep Avenger, and Ford Explorer. While Volvo has made smart cost-saving choices, maintaining a premium look, and attracting a younger audience, it may not be ideal for families or enthusiastic drivers due to handling concerns and the performance version’s speed. Some may also find the range, lack of buttons, and Google UI quirks to be drawbacks. Overall, the Volvo EX30 is a gateway to the Volvo brand at a competitive price, but it has limitations.
Features of the Volvo EX30
-
Minimalistic and Smallest SUV
The Volvo EX30, the brand’s smallest SUV, brings a new level of compactness at 4,233 mm in length, making it shorter and slimmer than its XC40 counterpart. While a departure from the usual Volvo silhouette, the EX30 maintains a recognizable connection to the brand, sharing similarities with the Zeekr X.
Inside, the cabin mirrors the Zeekr X, emphasising Scandinavian minimalism with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. The interior incorporates sustainable materials like woven flax, upcycled denim fibres, recycled polyester, and more.
Despite some cost-cutting measures, such as the absence of physical buttons, the EX30 presents a well-crafted, environmentally conscious option in Volvo’s entry-level EV lineup.
-
Interior and Design
Volvo’s EX30 introduces a refreshed exterior in line with the brand’s minimalist design. The absence of a traditional grille, coupled with distinctive eight-bit lighting elements, mirrors the aesthetic seen in the larger EX90. Despite its smaller size, the EX30 combines SUV presence with a car-like quality through a tall hood and upright roofline.
Notably shorter than competitors like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Volkswagen ID.4, the EX30 maintains comparable headroom, though its more compact proportions affect rear legroom. Cargo space, while SUV-inspired, falls behind, emphasising the EX30’s compact nature. The interior reflects Volvo’s minimalism, with no instrument cluster and a central touchscreen housing the speedometer.
The audio system adopts a sleek soundbar design, and window switches are conveniently located on the center console. This minimalist approach not only aligns with the Scandinavian automaker’s identity but also contributes to the EX30’s affordability. Unique features include seamlessly integrated metal door pull rings and eco-friendly touches like recycled materials such as Particle Deco, crafted from repurposed window frames.
-
Tech, Infotainment, and Driver Assist
The Volvo EX30 features a standard 12.3-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, running an Android-based infotainment system with integrated Google features such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay is included, making Android Auto somewhat redundant due to the system’s reliance on Google-based functions.
The touchscreen presents various information, including speed readout and essential controls, resembling a computer’s home screen.
Despite the screen-intensive functions, the operation is generally smooth, but adjusting settings, such as mirrors, may require familiarisation. While the interface offers standard driver-assist features like blind spot monitoring, collision mitigation, and a driver attention monitor, more advanced technologies are reserved for higher-tier models.
The top Ultra grade includes Volvo’s Pilot Assist system, lane change assist, a 360-degree camera system, and a park-assist system for automated parking. The interface, though efficient, presents a learning curve, especially for tasks that traditionally involve physical controls.
-
Choice of Battery Types
The city EV comes with three powertrain options and two battery types. The single-motor version with a cheaper LFP battery offers around 214 miles on a charge, ideal for short trips. There’s also a single-motor extended range version with a higher density and faster charging NMC battery, providing up to 298 miles.
The top model features an NMC battery, twin motors, and all-wheel drive, producing 315 kW (428 hp) and accelerating from zero to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, making it Volvo’s fastest-accelerating car. While the speed versions may not be as popular, the Extended Range model is expected to be the preferred iteration.
Charging capacity ranges from 134 kW for the entry-level car to 153 kW for the extended-range twin motor, enabling a 10 to 80 percent charge in just over 25 minutes, with home charging taking around 12 hours.
-
Range, Charging, and Safety
Official range ratings for the Volvo EX30 will be disclosed closer to its U.S. debut in the summer of 2024. Volvo anticipates approximately 275 miles for single-motor models and 265 miles for dual-motor models. At present, the base EX30 appears poised to offer more range than the base Tesla Model Y (260 miles), Hyundai Ioniq 5 (220 miles), or Volkswagen ID.4 (209 miles) at a potentially lower cost, unless competitors enhance range or reduce prices in the coming months.
The EX30 supports DC fast charging at 153 kilowatts, achieving a 10% to 80% charge in an estimated 26.5 minutes. While this is satisfactory, it lacks the high-power charging capability seen in models like the Ioniq 5, potentially resulting in slower range recovery.
Crash-test ratings will be available closer to the launch. The EX30 is expected to carry the same warranty as other Volvo EVs, including a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty, a four-year, 50,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty.
Also, Read- Beauty Of Used Toyota Tundra Models: Explore Your Options
Volvo EX30 Driving Experience
The EX30’s performance aligns with the standard expectations for small electric vehicles. The Single Motor variant accelerates quickly and smoothly, offering ample power for effortless highway driving and overtaking. Its rear-wheel-drive chassis minimizes wheel-scrabbling commonly experienced in front-driven rivals. The handling is secure, safe, and devoid of unnecessary drama. While the EX30 exhibits less roll than its platform-mate, the Smart No.1, its body control is not its strongest suit, occasionally feeling uncontrolled, especially over speed bumps.
The ride quality can be firm on the 20-inch wheels of top-end models, typical for the EX30’s weight relative to its dimensions. However, on smooth roads, like those in our Spanish test route, it generally provides an acceptable ride. Volvo’s excellent seats contribute to enhanced comfort. The Twin Motor variant features a slight throttle delay by default, making smooth driving more manageable with its 422bhp power. To unleash the full powertrain potential, you can activate ‘Performance’ mode on the touchscreen, providing the rapid throttle response seen in performance EVs.
Volvo hasn’t introduced significant changes beyond power output, resulting in limited enjoyment when pushing the car to its limits. A firmer suspension or quicker steering rack could have created the illusion of a slightly sportier model. The one-pedal driving mode, while present, lacks sufficient strength, offering minimal deceleration and a gentle braking effect in town. Dialing up this feature could enhance city driving, making it a more effective one-pedal experience.
A Great Step Towards Sustainability
In making the Volvo EX30, the company has committed to reducing emissions not only in its operations but also throughout the supply chain. The car will be manufactured in a factory using mostly climate-neutral energy, and 95% of our Tier 1 suppliers have pledged to use 100% renewable energy in their production by 2025.
The production process for the EX30 has been optimised for higher material utilisation in stamped body parts, and we’re using blockchain technology to trace critical raw materials like lithium, manganese, cobalt, graphite, and nickel in the battery packs.
Inside the Volvo EX30, you can find a variety of eco-friendly materials for seats, dashboards, and doors, including denim, flax, and a wool blend with about 70% recycled polyester. Our approach includes smart and sustainable use of materials, like repurposing short fibres from recycled denim that are typically discarded as waste. This way, we give new life to materials that would otherwise go unused in the denim recycling process.
The Volvo EX30 is designed with an estimated cradle-to-gate CO2 impact of 18 tonnes, covering the environmental impact from raw material extraction to the finished car at the dealer, emphasising sustainability. At the end of its life, the car is built for 95% recovery through material recycling and energy extraction.
This approach allows customers to reduce their personal CO2 footprint without compromising safety, comfort, or convenience, making it environmentally friendly and driver-friendly. The new Volvo EX30 will be unveiled on June 7 and will be open for orders or pre-orders in selected markets on the same date.
Also, Read- Used Dodge Ram 2500 on CarGurus, Your Go-To Car Expert
Conclusion
Who would have thought Volvo would offer the EV bargain of the year? This EV stands out for its quality, solid build, good driving experience, high-spec interior, and impressive performance – all at a price that may worry budget brands. It outshines its platform siblings, the Smart #1 and Zeekr X, feeling more premium and handling better. While we’ll reserve final judgement until it hits the UK, it’s hard not to recommend the EX30 over competitors like the Corsa Electric or high-spec Fiat 500e at a similar price, especially if you appreciate its all-touchscreen interior. For more information, visit Thewebhunting.
