The budget-friendly electric vehicle market is really gaining momentum. Although the Chevrolet Bolt EV is nearing the end of its production, a fresh and stylish low-cost electric car is emerging—the Volvo EX30 “small SUV.” It hasn’t hit the market yet, but many EV buyers are already eyeing it due to its affordable price, decent range, and sleek design.
Wondering about the Volvo EX30? We’ve been following the updates and can’t wait for its release. Here’s the scoop on what we know so far.
The Volvo EX30 is not only visually appealing, but it’s also priced attractively. So, what’s the cost? Volvo announced a starting price of $34,950, making it one of the most affordable electric cars available. Naturally, many drivers might want to opt for upgrades beyond the base model, which will increase the cost. If you’re looking for longer range, faster performance, or all-wheel drive, expect to pay more. Although the exact prices for these upgrades aren’t known yet, as a reference, upgrading from the RWD base model to the AWD model of the Kia EV6 adds $10,000 to the cost.
Will the EX30 qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit? Unfortunately, it will not, since it’s built in China. According to the Inflation Reduction Act, vehicles must be assembled in North America to be eligible for the credit.
If you’re in the U.S., you can reserve an EX30 with a $500 refundable deposit. Deliveries will start in the summer of 2024, and you’ll be able to configure your car in the fall of 2023. Additionally, a Cross Country model of the EX30 is set to launch, but it will be available at the end of 2024.
The EX30 will come in various models and colors, allowing you to customize it according to your needs, albeit at an extra cost. The base model comes with a single motor and a “standard range” battery, but it’ll only be available in selected markets. Upgrading to the Single Motor Extended Range model gives you a bigger battery for a longer range. The Twin Motor Performance model pairs a longer-range battery with a second motor for better performance.
There’s also a fourth model, the EX30 Cross Country, though it won’t be available initially. This model includes front, rear, and side skid plates, unique Cross Country badges, and 19-inch wheels. While Volvo hasn’t detailed the powertrain for the Cross Country model, it’s likely to feature dual-motor all-wheel drive.
Exterior color options for the EX30 include Vapour Grey, Onyx Black, Moss Yellow, Crystal White, and Cloud Blue. Inside, you can choose from Breeze, Mist, Pine, and Indigo. The exterior and interior color choices are mostly subdued, with Moss Yellow being the most unique.
The base model uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which is cheaper and lasts longer than standard nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries but is heavier. This variant offers up to 200 miles of range, optimal for city use rather than long road trips. It can charge at 134kW, taking 26 minutes to go from 10% to 80%.
Other models use lighter NMC batteries to boost range. The single-motor variant can reach up to 275 miles, while the dual-motor variant offers 265 miles. Both can charge at up to 153 kW, going from 10% to 80% in about 26.5 minutes. It’s a bit of a letdown that Volvo hasn’t adopted ultra-fast 350kW charging like in the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Though the EX30 is budget-friendly, it doesn’t compromise on performance. It’s actually the fastest production car Volvo has ever made. While the single-motor model isn’t the fastest, it still packs enough punch with 284 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, hitting 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
If you’re after more speed, the dual-motor model boasts 422 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. This makes it the quickest Volvo production car to date, outpacing Ford’s Mach-E GT Performance Edition but falling short of Tesla’s Model Y Dual Motor AWD.
The Volvo EX30 isn’t just affordable and quick; it’s full of great features. It includes Volvo’s infotainment system based on Android Automotive, offering Google Maps and other Google services. Apple CarPlay is also supported, and for the first time in a Volvo, you’ll get wireless CarPlay connectivity, all accessible via a 12.3-inch center screen.
The car includes constant connectivity with 5G capabilities where available, and Volvo’s Park Pilot Assist feature helps the car identify parking spots and park itself. It can handle various parking styles, making it simpler to park in tight spaces.
The Volvo EX30 packs a lot for its price. Our hope is that the upgraded models remain reasonably priced, especially for those who need a longer range but don’t want to overspend.