Volvo’s New Electric Compact Crossover EX30: A Sustainable and High-Performance Vehicle

Volvo’s new electric compact crossover, the EX30, is now available to order in the UK, with customer deliveries scheduled for early 2024. The EX30 is a cornerstone of Volvo’s reinvention as an electric-only manufacturer, aimed at attracting new, younger customers. The vehicle has a minimalistic layout, similar to Tesla’s instrument panel, and offers nods to sustainability. With a focus on lowering the total cost of ownership, the EX30 is expected to attract new, younger, urban buyers. Volvo expects around three-quarters of EX30 buyers will be new to the brand, with the majority buying it as a second car.

The EX30 has a clear family resemblance to the flagship EX90 large SUV that was revealed last year, with a closed-off grille and Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights. It will be offered with wheels ranging from 18in to 20in and in five colours, including a new Moss Yellow that’s inspired by lichen that grows on rocks on Sweden’s west coast.

Interior Design

The interior also builds on Volvo’s traditional design form, with the dashboard dominated by a 12.3in vertically mounted touchscreen. The infotainment runs Volvo’s Google-based system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Instead of the traditional door-mounted speakers, a home audio-style soundbar runs across the full width of the dashboard. There is also an emphasis on interior storage, including a centrally located dashboard glovebox-style multi-function centre console in the front and a removable storage box at the back of the tunnel console. Four interior designs – termed ‘rooms’ by Volvo – will be offered, all using different recyclable and renewable materials, including one that has upcycled denim fibre in the dashboard.

Powertrain and Battery Types

In the UK, the EX30 will be offered with three powertrains and two different battery types. Entry-level Single Motor versions feature a rear-mounted 268bhp motor with a 51kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery. That chemistry, which is more cost-effective to produce, gives it a claimed range of 214 miles.

The Single Motor powertrain will also be offered in Extended Range form. Priced from £38,545, it uses with a 69kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, which extends the range to 298 miles, with a claimed efficiency of 4.0mpkWh.

That battery is also used in the top-spec Twin Motor Performance model, which adds a second, 154bhp electric motor on the front axle to give a combined output of 422bhp. That model is priced from £40,995 and offers a 286-mile range. The entry-level LFP battery can be charged at a peak of 134kW, while the NMC models can accept charge at up to 153kW.

Performance and Safety

The EX30 doesn’t compromise on Volvo’s famed commitment to safety. Although the vehicle won’t feature the lidar systems that will be used on the flagship EX90, the firm says it will be “as safe as you’d expect from a Volvo,” and there has been a focus on improving safety in urban environments. As standard, the doors will feature an alert if you are about to open them when a cyclist or runner is passing. There are also ‘state-of-the-art’ restraint systems and a raft of driver assistance systems. They include a new Park Pilot Assist function that can help identify parking spots and operate in a wider range of spaces.

Volvo claims that EX30’s chassis has been tuned for nimble driving in urban environments, with a low centre of gravity and an even weight distribution. With a 0-62mph time of 3.6sec in top-spec Twin Motor Performance form, it is the fastest-accelerating Volvo yet.

Sustainability

The reduced CO2 footprint – which Volvo claims is below 30 tonnes over 124,000 miles of driving – covers both production and operation. It has been achieved in part through a body that contains 25% recycled aluminium, 17% recycled steel and 17% recycled plastic.

Trim Levels

Two trim levels – Plus and Ultra – will be offered in the UK at launch and provide a high level of standard features. Plus models include automatic LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, two-zone climate control and heated front seats. Ultra models add a 360deg camera, Park Pilot Assist, 20in wheels and a panoramic sunroof. A more basic entry-level Core trim is set to follow “at a later date,” with an anticipated starting price of between £31,000 and £32,000.

Production

The EX30 will go into production later this year at Volvo’s Zhangjiakou plant in China and is now available to order in the UK, mainland Europe and selected other markets. It will also be offered in the US, where it can now be pre-ordered. The EX30 is the fourth model to be revealed in the firm’s electric line-up, although it will actually go on sale before the flagship EX90, which was revealed last year. It will sit underneath the existing XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models.

Conclusion

The Volvo EX30 compact crossover is a sustainable and high-performance vehicle that offers a minimalistic layout and nods to sustainability. With a focus on lowering the total cost of ownership and attracting new, younger, urban buyers, the EX30 is expected to be a cornerstone of Volvo’s reinvention as an electric-only manufacturer. The vehicle has a clear family resemblance to the flagship EX90 large SUV that was revealed last year, with a closed-off grille and Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights. The interior also builds on Volvo’s traditional design form, with the dashboard dominated by a 12.3in vertically mounted touchscreen. The EX30 is expected to attract new, younger customers, with around three-quarters of buyers being new to the brand, and the majority buying it as a second car.