The Volvo EX30
The Volvo EX30
Within the next 18 months, Volvo want half of their cars to be pure electric.
That’s a lofty target. But the latest model to be unveiled, the all-electric EX30, will unquestionably play a major role in achieving that objective.
The pint-sized SUV, which isn’t due to arrive in UK showrooms till this autumn, is already available to order at Arnold Clark showrooms. Prices start at less than £34,000, and the EX30 will be capable of covering up to 298 miles on a single charge.
First-up, it’s Volvo’s smallest SUV ever. Built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform developed by Volvo’s parent company, Chinese conglomerate Geely, the EX30 shares the same core foundation as the recently launched smart #1.
And size definitely matters. After the initial wave of large EV models launched by the major manufacturers, the EX30 is one of the most compact all-electric cars built by one of the recognised ‘premium’ brands to hit the market.
Thinking of making the switch to electric?
And it is compact. In fact, it’s 30cm shorter than the rival Audi Q4 e-tron, and almost 25cms shorter than both the Lexus UX300e and Mercedes EA.
But don’t misinterpret compact for lack of internal space. Because it uses the SEA platform, which has been designed for purely electric vehicles, the Volvo’s wheelbase is 2,650mm. That’s only 50mm shorter than its XC40 sibling, which is a much longer SUV and combustion based.
There’s no way you can mistake the EX30 for being anything but a Volvo. In addition to its upright stance, the latest medal maximises interior space thanks to very short overhangs and a near vertical rear glass area. At the front, there’s also the latest evolution of Volvo’s iconic trademark ‘Thor’s hammer’ lighting signature.
And while there’s no denying the EX30 has a chunky look, the forthcoming EX30 Cross Country will boast even more presence thanks to its rugged stance, raised ride height and bespoke alloys wheels. It’s due to arrive next year.
The interior of the EX30 is, as is the case with all modern Volvo models, dominated by a large portrait-layout infotainment system. It sits above a central glovebox which has been designed to be easily accessible by both front passenger and the driver.
There are also no conventional door-mounted speakers thanks to the designers incorporating a sound bar which essentially becomes the entire top edge across the dashboard. The additional benefit is larger door pockets.
There’s further storage between the two front seats, plus a cubby for our ever-present smartphones. Rear passengers can stash theirs in the smartphone-sized pockets in the front-seat backrests.
A removable storage box has been incorporated into the centre ‘tunnel console’, while bootspace ranges from 318-litres with the rear seats in place to 622 litres with them folded down.
Buyers are able to choose from three core technical configurations. The entry-model, rear-wheel driven Single Motor produces 268bhp and 343Nm. And it’s available in two formats. The first, powered by a 51kWh (49kWh net) LFP-chemistry battery, has a 0-62mph time of 5.7secs and a range of 212 miles. It is also capable of being charged at up to 150kW, doing which would see it gain 10% to 80% of its capacity in just 26 minutes.
Using the same motor, the Extended Range model gets the larger 69kWh (64kWh usable) battery. It does, though, use the more energy-dense NMC chemistry battery, has an identical maximum speed of 112mph, shaves 0.4s off the 0-62mph time, but significantly increases the range to 298 miles. And because it’s capable of recharging at a maximum DC rate of 175kW, despite the larger battery pack it too can achieve 10%-80% in around 26 to 28 minutes.
Topping the range, certainly in terms of performance, is the Twin Motor Performance. Volvo has been clever in mix ’n’ matching the integral core technology. The Twin Motor Performance has the same battery and charging speed as the Extended Range, but while it delivers a whopping 422bhp and 543Nm, hitting 62mph from standstill in just 3.6secs, its WLTP range drops marginally to 286 miles.
Though you can order the EX30 today from Arnold Clark, first deliveries won’t arrive until the autumn. From launch, two versions will be available, the Plus and Ultra. The range will be further extended by the introduction of lower-priced entry model at a later date.
But the initial entry point will be the Plus, which, when paired with the smaller-battery, single-motor powertrain, will start from £33,795. Standard kit in the Plus includes the 12.3-inch Google-based infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control with heat pump, a Harman Kardon audio system, 18-inch alloys with the standard battery or 19-inch alloys with the Extended Range, plus a three-phase 11kW onboard AC charger.
Worth pointing out right away is that the £33,795 undercuts the current entry-level smart #1 by more than £2,000.
The Ultra spec is available with rear- or four-wheel drive, but with the larger battery only, hence it starts from £42,045. It does, though, include electric adjustment on the front seats, a panoramic glass roof, tinted rear windows, a 360-degree camera and automatic parking technology, 20-inch alloys and a 22kW three-phase charger.
Across the range buyers can choose from five exterior colours, plus a number of interior ‘treatments’ which Volvo has named ‘rooms’. Each of these — including Breeze, Indigo, Mist and Pine — mix different colours, textures and finishes to create distinct ambiences. Materials used include up-cycled denim fibres, recycled PET bottles, ground plastic waste and woven flax.
The entire EX30 range will also benefit from Volvo’s rolling three-year, 60,000-mile ‘care package’; this includes all servicing and is included in the list price.
