Safety first has always been the Volvo way and it’s no different today. The EX30 is the Swedish company’s first small premium SUV and it is, they say, ‘small and compact’ for a sport utility vehicle (SUV) that nevertheless does big Volvo things. It is of course a fully electric vehicle (EV) and is designed to be as safe as you’d expect as the brand marches forward, pushing deep into EV territory. It is designed to have the smallest CO² footprint of any Volvo car yet produced apparently.
Crucially, the EX30 is well-priced, suggesting that the cost of electric motoring may be coming down as more vehicles reach the market. With UK prices starting at around £34,000 (GBP) this premium all-electric SUV sells for a similar price as an internal combustion engine-powered equivalent. As mentioned, the EX30 is designed to have the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo car to date, and represents an important step forward in Volvo’s sustainability ambitions.
On The Outside
The EX30 embodies typically Scandinavian design values but in a smaller format. The EV has a long wheelbase for its size, large wheels and equal overhangs front and rear which bring balance and modernity to the exterior. Clearly electric, the EX30 has a bold front end face, a closed grille and a digital rendition of the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights. Offered in five vibrant exterior colours, this car really stands out on the road. In fact, it is a bit of a head-turner.
As mentioned, safety is to the fore as this premium Volvo aims to look after both driver and passengers in today’s hectic urban environments. A noteworthy example of this is the standard fitting across the range of a special safety alert feature for bicycles that helps to prevent so-called ‘dooring’ accidents by alerting emerging passengers when about to open the door in front of a cyclist, scooter or pedestrian.
On The Inside
The ‘car as lifestyle accessory’ trend continues with the EX30’s interior offering a relaxing environment thanks to cutting-edge technology and considerate interior design. Purchased new, buyers can select from four distinct interior ‘rooms’, each with their own expression, once again highlighting that ‘at home while on the road’ aspect. There are smart storage options throughout the cabin too. Together with a contextual 12.3 inch single-screen dashboard with Google built-in and running the latest version of the company’s infotainment system, the interior is overall spacious and minimalist.
Speaking of cutting-edge technology, the Volvo EX30 is the first Volvo to include a new generation of the company’s Park Pilot Assist feature. It can handle all types of parking spaces, including parallel, curved, perpendicular and diagonal fish-bone-style, making parking in tight spaces simplicity itself. Park Pilot Assist will also identify any available parking spots. Then, once selected via the new 3D user interface, the feature will operate the accelerator and brake as well as the steering, while the driver supervises.
Depending on the interior selected, the comfortable seats and indeed all the upholstery are made from a selection of recycled materials, enhancing Volvo’s reputation for sustainability. The centre console is extremely versatile, with a sliding system that allows the front occupants to choose exactly how they want to use the space. The top of the cupholder can slide out to hold a latte or smartphone, or moved back for more storage. The lower tunnel has a protective storage area for small items such as sunglasses or ear pods, and you can place a bag in the large open space above.
The rear passengers don’t miss out either. They can store their phones in dedicated pockets in the front seat-backs, while a neat storage box slides out from beneath the centre console. Inside the tailgate, there’s a handy size guide, perfect for estimating awkward loads.
Battery Tech On The Road
Buyers have the freedom to choose the battery technology that best suits their needs. The EX30 comes with a selection of three power-train options and two different battery types. For city dwellers or drivers who tend to travel shorter distances between charges, there’s a single-motor option with a battery that is more cost-effective and less resource-intensive to produce, meaning it is the best option if less range is required.
However, if the user prefers to maximise range, the Single Motor Extended Range variant with an NMC extended-range battery is the one to choose. This option gives you a range of up to 298 miles (480km) between charges.
Finally, if performance is the first priority, there’s the Twin Motor Performance variant in which the battery is paired with an additional second e-motor. This all-wheel-drive variant of the EX30 provides 315kW (428bhp) and whisks the car to 62mph (100kph) in only 3.6 seconds: The fastest accelerating Volvo car ever. This is hot hatch territory and more.
The EX30 charges quickly too. The extended-range Twin Motor variant has a charging capacity of up to 153kW, while the standard-range car has a capacity of 134kW. That means the battery can be charged from ten to eighty percent in a little over 25 minutes. Through the car’s centre display and app, the owner can set the amperage, maximum charging level and when you want to start charging.
The EX30 chassis has been tuned to make the most of the car’s compact dimensions. Its low centre of gravity as well as its relatively low and evenly distributed weight are complemented by ease of driving and nimbleness in the city and beyond. There’s even a Cross Country version as well which is recognisable by its skid-plates on the front, rear and side, special black panels on the front bumper and boot (trunk) lid, and stylish Cross Country branding. Good things do indeed come in small packages and, neatly seguing into the final section, here at MHH International we offer the complete package for exporting the excellent Volvo EX30, or any available Volvo model, from the UK to New Zealand, Kenya, the Caribbean and other global destinations. Get in touch to find out more.
