The first-ever Volvo EX30 is undeniable proof that the Swedish carmaker's going big on its electrification gamble as plans to become an electric car maker going full circle.
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| 2024 Volvo EX30 |
Priced at 429,000 Swedish Krona plus additional costs, the first-ever Volvo EX30 is the baby EV crossover that showcases the Swedish carmaker's commitment to going all-electric since the moment they announced it. Like it or not, this is the new normal for the new Volvo.
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| 2024 Volvo EX30 |
Beginning with the styling, the EX30 dons Volvo's new-era design that prefers subtlety over obviousness, and being subtle is a good thing for an all-electric crossover made for the new normal. From the new-era Thor's Hammer headlamps, wheel arch creases, clamshell bonnet, and two-piece taillights, the EX30 is "new normal" material.
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| 2024 Volvo EX30 interior |
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| 2024 Volvo EX30 interior |
Inside, the EX30 prefers minimalism, which spells trouble for speedo boys behind the wheel but hey, this is the new normal after all, and cars with large touchscreens are a big deal. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and Android AOS takes control of not just infotainment, but also navigation, room temperature, and other important bits and bobs surrounding it.
First-timers will find this gizmo complicated at first but they'll find it enjoyable the more they know it.
The EX30 has a complicated infotainment system, but other than that, it has a lot going for it. It comes with a Harman Kardon premium audio system that includes a soundbar located at the top of the dashboard.
In terms of comfort and spacing, despite its just-sizing dimensions, the EX30 is as cozy as most commoners' cars can be and with the rear seats folded down, you can store up to 904 liters of boot space, fit for all walks of life. Stealing the idea from the Hyundai Santa Fe, the EX30 comes with a door-opening safety feature that warns the driver when he or she is about to open the door in front of a cyclist, scooter, or runner, to prevent accidents.
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| 2024 Volvo EX30 |
The EX30's electric powertrain consists of a rear-wheel-drive Single Motor layout with 272PS of power and a 4WD Twin Motor Performance layout with 428PS of power. The Single Motor variant comes with the 51kWh lithium iron phosphate battery while the Single Motor Extended and Twin Motor Performance variants get a 69kWh NiMC battery.
The Single Motor Extended Range variant has up to 476km of driving range while the Twin Motor Performance, with its 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds, has up to 450km of driving range. Charging times? While charging at a 150kW charging station, it will take less than 30 minutes to hit 80% for most variants.
Running on Geely's SEA platform, the EX30 behaves well for a Swedish EV crossover. Although not as exciting as expected, it is civilized on various scapes from suburbia to the great outdoors. As for safety, the EX30 features various safety tech you would expect from a Volvo such as the new-generation Park Pilot Assist, 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist, Collision avoidance system, and driver warning system, among others.
Although not one of the best crossovers of the new normal, the Volvo EX30 is proof that the Swedish carmaker's electrification transition is going full circle. As one said, what you say is what you get. Volvo wanted to become fully electric because climate change is the real safety test, and this is what they've got. This is only the beginning...
Photo: Volvo Car Corporation