All-New Volvo EX30 EV is Intuitive by Design.
New Volvo EX30 is Intuitive by Design.
Volvo Cars has one of the most ambitious electrification plans in the automotive industry and plans to sell only fully electric cars by 2030. Additionally, by next year (2025), the Swedish manufacturer aims for half of its global sales volume to consist of fully electric cars. The new EX30 plays a crucial role in those plans, as Volvo Cars expects it to contribute significantly to its growth and profitability objectives. This makes the EX30 a cornerstone of Volvo Cars’ ongoing strategic transformation. Joining the EX40 and EC40 models on the Ghent production line, the EX30 is the third fully electric Volvo model to be produced in Europe.
Small Carbon Footprint.
The EX30 has been developed with an emphasis on lowering the total cost of ownership to appeal to younger buyers. Volvo expects around 75% of EX30 buyers to be new to the brand, with the model tipped to become the marque’s best-selling car. Impressively, the EX30 has the smallest lifetime carbon footprint of any Volvo model yet produced. The EX30 measures in at just over 4.2-metres long, and it is underpinned by parent firm Geely’s SEA platform, which also forms the basis of the recently-launched Smart # 1 EV.
Two Trim Variants.
Two trim levels – Plus and Ultra – are offered in the EX30, both of which come with a 12.3” touchscreen display, LED headlamps, 18” aero wheels, climate control, active high beam assist, door opening alert, Safe Space Tech, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats and steering wheel, powered tailgate, parking sensors, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system, along with many more comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment features. Buyers of the range-topping Ultra trim version will also benefit from a fixed panoramic roof, electric front seats, rear privacy glass, a 22kW on-board charger, rear LED lights, a 360-degree camera system and 20” wheels.
EV Powerplant Options.
Powerplant options available in the EX30 consist of an entry-level Single Motor Standard Range version that features a rear-mounted 269bhp electric motor with a 49kWh (usable) lithium-ironphosphate (LFP) battery, and a Single Motor Extended Range version that uses a 64kWh (usable) nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, with an official WLTP range of up to 342km and 476km respectively. The larger battery is also used in the Twin Motor Performance model that employs a second motor to produce a combined output of 422bhp, with a claimed range of up to 456km from a fully-charged battery. With an astonishing 0-100km/h time of just 3.4-seconds, the Twin Motor Performance model is the quickest road-going Volvo yet, and it comes with the reassurance of all-wheel drive (AWD) ability. The LFP battery can accept charge at up to 134kW, and this increases to 153kW for the NMC unit. As a result, the 49kWh battery can achieve a 10-80% charge in around 26 minutes, and the larger battery can achieve the same percentage of charge in around 28 minutes. Alternatively, owners can plug their car into a domestic wall-box charger for a full (0-100%) charge in 9.5 hours and 11.5 hours respectively.
Light & Airy Cabin.
The cabin in the EX30 is light and airy, and its clean, crisp design majors on minimalization, with the central touchscreen flanked by stylish air vents on both sides. Physical switches are reserved only for the front windows and door locks, with a supplementary button to operate the rear windows, while the hazard warning and emergency-call switches are located above the rear-view mirror. The indicators and wipers are operated via the left-hand column stalk, and the right-hand stalk solely houses the gear selector. Haptic buttons on the steering wheel control the audio and cruise control functions, with everything else operated via the central touchscreen. Volvo claims that, due to the car’s size, it will be as easy to see information there as on a display that would be traditionally located behind the steering wheel. The cabin features plenty of storage throughout, including a cleverly-designed pop-out bottle holder that can accommodate one bottle or cup in its first position, or two in its fully extended position. Sustainable and recycled materials are used throughout the cabin, and buyers can select from a choice of 4 interior colour themes: Breeze, Mist, Pine and Indigo. The EX30’s infotainment system runs Volvo’s Google-based operating system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. A full-width soundbar runs across the dash in lieu of traditional door-mounted speakers, with studio-quality sound transmitted clearly to all occupants.
Test Car details.
My test car was a Volvo EX30 Ultra in Single Motor Extended Range format. Finished in dynamic Crystal White metallic paintwork with contrasting black trim, it looked striking from every angle, and it previews the new design direction being undertaken by the iconic Swedish brand. Thanks to 269bhp and 343Nm of instant torque, the EX30 is thrillingly quick off the line, and it can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.3-seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 180km/h. The EX30 cruises in a smooth and settled manner at motorway speeds, while remaining comfortable and composed when faced with rutted road surfaces and speed ramps in urban settings. Lots of grip from the tyres, and an abundance of performance from the 64kWh battery provides a confident and mature driving experience from behind the wheel. The rear-mounted electric motor can quickly move the car along in calming serenity, while the brakes respond consistently when the pedal is pressed, plus there is the added advantage of a selectable ‘one-pedal’ driving function which gradually slows the car down to a complete stop when you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal. This regenerative braking function sends energy back to the car’s battery to enhance the driving range, so it serves a very useful dual purpose. The EX30’s compliant suspension set-up works well at all speeds, with excellent build quality and sound insulation ensuring the absence of noise within the cabin. The slightly elevated seating position in the EX30 provides excellent forward visibility, while relatively slim windscreen pillars help the driver to see obstacles that otherwise may go unnoticed.
Conclusion & Price.
The new Volvo EX30 is a joy to drive, with strong performance and an entertaining chassis. Volvo’s smallest and most affordable EV yet also benefits from an attractive design, generous levels of standard equipment, and a host of advanced driver assistance systems. The EX30 range starts at a competitive €38,600 (after Government/SEAI grants) and is available in Volvo dealerships nationwide now.
Visit www.volvocars.com for further information.
