From the second it debuted earlier this 12 months, Volvo’s new EX30 has been my most anticipated electrical automobile of 2024. The compact SUV promised ample vary, Scandinavian type and thrilling efficiency for a worth and worth that turned heads faster than its claimed 3.4-second 0- to 60-second dash. Having pushed the brand new EX30 for myself, I can say that Volvo’s smallest SUV, whereas not good, is kind of good and needs to be properly definitely worth the wait.
The brand new EV worth king?
Automobiles have risen in worth over the previous couple of years. Whereas researching our information to the least costly electrical vehicles and SUVs, I discovered that the common new automobile transaction worth within the US has climbed to round $48,000 which is 24% greater than the September 2020 common. And electrical vehicles are much more costly, averaging round $50,683 — a quantity that’s certain to climb as the present least costly and finest promoting EVs, Chevrolet’s Bolt EV and EUV, stop manufacturing later this 12 months. So when Swedish automaker Volvo saunters in with a $36,245 beginning worth (together with the $1,295 vacation spot cost), construct high quality and vary that look this good, I take discover. And so must you.
One motor, extra vary
Each Volvo EX30 that arrives on US roads will probably be powered by a 69 kWh battery pack (64 kWh web usable), however potential house owners can have their choose of two electrical motor configurations. The “single motor prolonged vary” setup makes use of — you guessed it, a single 200-kilowatt motor driving the rear-wheels to the tune of 268 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. It’s going to electrical slide its method from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, or it may possibly cruise for as much as 275 miles of vary, relying on how aggressive you might be with the accelerator.
The EX30’s exterior function acquainted Volvo design parts, such because the segmented Thor’s Hammer gentle signature.
On Spanish highways round Barcelona, I discovered that I used to be more than pleased with the extent of efficiency provided by the Single Motor. The steering is a bit gentle and overboosted for my style, however the EX30 nonetheless feels agile and correct round bends and mountainous switchbacks. Like most EVs, it’s a lot peppy at average around-town speeds and, on the freeway, it was a silent and pretty assured cruiser. I averaged 3.15miles per kWh throughout my brief time behind the wheel, however I do not imagine the space traveled was fairly sufficient for an correct effectivity estimate. I hope to do extra intensive vary and effectivity testing on my acquainted lengthy testing loop as soon as the EX30 arrives stateside subsequent 12 months.
Twin motor efficiency provides energy
The improve to the “twin motor efficiency” spec provides a second motor to the entrance axle, including all-wheel drive surefootedness and bringing the overall energy output to 315 kW (or 422 horsepower). With 400 pound-feet of torque on the prepared (and its battery pack at a minimum of an 80% state of cost), the Twin Motor EX30 will dash to 60 mph in simply 3.4 seconds — incomes it the accolade of “quickest manufacturing Volvo but.”
Pushed with a lightweight foot, the dual motor spec does not really feel considerably completely different from its single-motor sibling due to the powertrain mechanically decoupling the entrance axle beneath gentle masses and cruising to maximise vary and effectivity, touchdown my examined common at 3.70 mi/kWh or inside a margin of error of the earlier instance. Nonetheless, the extra weight of the dual-motor system and the optionally available 20-inch wheels on our instance include a spread penalty, dropping to 265 estimated miles per cost.
Talking of charging, the EX30’s 153-kW DC quick charging capability permits the battery pack to be introduced from 10% to 80% in round 27 minutes at a quick sufficient station. At dwelling, house owners can count on to go from flat to full in round 8 hours through its 11 kW Degree 2 AC charger. Moreover, Volvo claims its little SUV can pull as much as a 2,000-pound trailer, although that may clearly come on the expense of some vary.
The EX30’s dimensions slot in between the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV, two of our favourite inexpensive compact EVs.
Only a lil’ man!
The EX30 is a little bit man. Technically a subcompact SUV, its dimensions are, I believe, extra akin to that of a tallish hatchback. From bumper-to-bumper, it stretches 166.7 inches with a 104.3-inch wheelbase between. For context, these figures place the EX30 scale proper in the course of the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV although, at 61.2 inches tall and 72.3 inches broad (excluding mirrors), the Volvo’s stance is decrease and wider than both.
The subcompact Swede comes near matching the Chevrolets’ cargo house, however no cigar. With 14.1 cubic toes behind the second row and 31.9 cubic toes with the seats folded flat, the Volvo is considerably much less roomy than the Bolt’s 57 cubes — although, a lot of the Bolt’s benefit comes from vertical house, which does not actually make an enormous distinction in day-to-day hauling. The Volvo provides the benefit of 0.2 cubic toes of underhood storage — simply sufficient house for a roadside emergency equipment or your moveable charging cable.
Volvo EX30 in contrast
| 2024 Volvo EX30 | 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV | 2023 Hyundai Kona Electrical | |
| Size | 166.7 in | 163.2 in | 169.5 in | 165.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in | 102.4 in | 105.3 in | 102.4 in |
| Width | 72.3 in | 69.5 in | 69.7 in | 70.9 in |
| Peak | 61.2 in | 63.4 in | 63.6 in | 61.2 in |
| Cargo | 14.1 cu. ft/31.9 cu. ft | 16.6 cu.ft/57.0 cu.ft | 16.3 cu.ft/56.9 cu.ft | 19.2 cu.ft/45.8 cu.ft |
| Curb Weight | 3,858 lbs / 4,140 lbs | 3,589 lbs | 3,680 lbs | 3,715 lbs |
| Vary | 275 miles (est.) | 259 miles | 247 miles | 258 miles |
Centralized inside design
Exterior, the EX30 is just and handsomely sculpted, sharing parts of its acquainted Scandinavian design — from the Thor’s Hammer gentle signature to its vertical taillights — with the likes of the bigger and XC90 and EX90. Nonetheless, the cabin steps in a really new course for Volvo. Right here, you will discover intensive use of post-consumer supplies just like the dashboard composed of recycled window frames, sustainably harvested textiles such a Merino wool and an general discount of parts and electronics through a method that Volvo calls “centralization.”
The “centralized” idea focuses the entire storage, electronics and controls on a line drawn down the center of the cabin; it is basically a price saving approach that saves supplies, weight and, most significantly, cash, however Volvo’s designers have used this limitation to create a cockpit that also feels premium. Shifting the window controls to the middle console and shifting the entire entrance audio system to a dashboard soundbar reduces the quantity of inside wiring wanted, but in addition frees up house on the doorways for large pockets. (The Harman/Kardon-branded premium audio improve does, nonetheless, have rear door audio system and a subwoofer.)
Shifting the entire controls to the middle console (and mixing entrance and rear switches) is a daring transfer that is certain to frustrate some.
As soon as it is identified, the entire little choices Volvo made to cut back value within the EX30’s cabin grow to be apparent, however I ought to stress that the electrical SUV does not really feel low cost. The sprint and door panels really feel strong and substantial regardless of their post-consumer origins and I did not discover a single rattle or buzz coming from wherever within the cabin over many miles of driving.
Single display screen tech
The obvious instance of the centralization idea is the massive central show. The EX30 lacks a standard instrument cluster; all driving information and a lot of the automobile controls reside on this 12.3-inch, vertically oriented touchscreen. The infotainment is powered by Google Constructed-In software program, which makes use of Google Maps as the first navigation software program, Google’s Play Retailer and Providers for streaming app downloads and Google Assistant for voice management.
Volvo has cut up the middle show into 4 zones or vertical slices. The highest edge at all times shows the pace, drive mode and different info that beforehand lived within the instrument cluster. The decrease edge at all times shows local weather management info. Many of the middle space is devoted to Google Maps navigation which, being constructed into the EV, is ready to take battery degree and charging estimates into consideration when planning or predicting routes. Lastly, there is a contextual space just under the map that modifications relying on the motive force’s habits or different components.
The minimalist cabin includes a single central 12.3-inch display screen with Google Constructed-In.
Total, I discovered the single-screen system to be properly organized and straightforward to make use of, with a reasonably light studying curve. Volvo’s software program engineers have achieved an excellent job of requiring the naked minimal faucets to entry steadily accessed capabilities, whereas hiding not often used choices into well organized menus. However drivers who actually love their bodily buttons and switches might discover themselves aggravated by the screen-centric design.
The EX30 can even ship with the newest technology of Volvo’s driver support applied sciences, cut up between the Core, Plus and Extremely trim ranges. My instance featured a driver attention-monitoring system that stored nagging me to maintain my eyes on the highway if I spent an excessive amount of time trying on the display screen, which was an issue as a result of the display screen is the place the speedometer lives now. Volvo’s representatives guarantee me that the US spec will probably be much less naggy.
Worth and 2024 availability
The 2024 Volvo EX30 arrives stateside subsequent 12 months beginning at $36,245 for the Single Motor which will probably be obtainable in Core, Plus ($40,195) and Extremely ($41,895) trim ranges with ascending ranges of cabin and security expertise. In the meantime, the Twin Motor Efficiency will solely be obtainable in Plus ($46,195) or Extremely ($47,895) trims. With the optionally available 20-inch Aero wheels ($800) and Local weather Bundle with heated seats/steering wheel ($500), we’re a $49,195 totally loaded as-tested worth.
The Volvo EX30 is not good, however it is going to be a compelling and enticing worth when it arrives subsequent 12 months.
Sadly, the Chinese language-built EX30 will not qualify for any federal EV tax credit, a reality that will not change when manufacturing in Belgium comes on-line in 2025. Nonetheless, the SUV should still qualify for EV lease incentives or for state and native credit.
My anticipation ranges have been excessive main into this primary drive, however the 2024 Volvo EX30 makes a really robust first impression and lives as much as my expectations. We’ll want extra impartial testing to make certain, however I am assured it’s going to slot properly onto our lists of finest EVs and most inexpensive electrical vehicles when it arrives subsequent 12 months.
